"Holistic approach to pregnancy and birth"

I’ve had the privilege of birthing with the Northam WMGP (Wheatbelt Midwifery Group Practice) twice now, with my first born and recently with my second born.

When I became pregnant for the first time, one of my early considerations was where to have my baby. Living in the Wheatbelt, I was conscious of and somewhat deterred by the time and travel required to attend prenatal care and delivery in Perth. So I was very excited to learn that Northam hospital had commenced midwife-led birthing. The team of midwives that attended to me are all so friendly and passionate about their work and even from my initial enquires I was made to feel so welcomed. I was impressed by their facilities; a large birthing suite, complete with birthing pool, huge bed and shower-a beautiful calming space in which to deliver and a far cry from the medicalised, noisy monitors and shouty doctor imagery I had come to expect from tv and movies!

Earlier in my pregnancy I had been dealing with another hospital and loathed the fact that I felt like a number; every visit was with somebody different, all appointments were time sensitive and the whole system made me feel as though being pregnant -the most wonderful yet nerve wracking event in my life to date- was quite unremarkable.

So I loved the fact that under WMGP I was allocated a midwife who would see me through my entire pregnancy, birth and aftercare. She was only ever a phone call or text away and always took the time and attention to ensure my questions were heard and answered. 

Another key factor which made up my mind to deliver with the WMGP was their holistic approach to pregnancy and birth. There are many decisions to be made throughout pregnancy and as a mum-to-be it can be quite overwhelming to navigate this when formulating a birth plan. So it was important to me to feel informed and empowered by my choices and to know that I had the support and professional expertise of my midwives.

I feel I had such a positive first birth with the WMGP that there simply was no question of where to go when I became pregnant again. I believe my second delivery, was an equally positive experience.

I really cannot recommend the WMGP highly enough. I do hope that the mums and mums-to-be of the Wheatbelt choose to support local services, but more so, do not deny themselves of the opportunity to give birth under the guidance of these wonderful midwifery staff!