"Pregnancy & Birth with Midwifery Group Practice (MGP4)"

I was a patient under the MGP care model during my pregnancy from May - January. I had been recommended this model of care by a midwife friend of mine and I was keen to have my baby at KEMH as I live in the catchment area. I didn't know a lot about the service other than having the same midwife care for me throughout my pregnancy and birth of my baby. 

I was allocated to a lovely midwife, Leanne, who was extremely knowledgable and made me feel empowered in my decisions around pregnancy and birth. I always received excellent care during appointments. Being able to call Leanne or the other MGP midwives with concerns or questions is a fantastic thing. I didn't need to do this really at all throughout the pregnancy, but knowing that someone who knew my history etc would be available for advice/reassurance, put my mind at ease. 

It was so great not having to wait around for ages for clinic appointments. I just organised the time/date of the next appointment with Leanne and then on the day rang/text to say I was there. So efficient. 

When I went into labour, Leanne was actually on leave, so one of the other MGP4 midwives, Shirley, was in charge of my care. Shirley was fantastic as well, always calm and confident when I was ringing throughout labour and when I eventually went into hospital she was very warm and supportive, asking me if there was anything, in particular, I had in my birth plan that she needed to know. She made me feel safe throughout labour, keeping me well informed about what was happening. She made the environment remain calm and quiet, encouraging me and supporting my husband. 

I required an episiotomy and potentially assisted delivery and I was made to feel safe throughout this process, both by medical staff and the midwives. I had no doubt that what they needed to do was necessary and I could relax and focus on what I needed to at the time. 

Shirley was great at keeping me involved at the end of the birth, asking me if I wanted to feel the head and if I wanted to see the placenta etc. I will always cherish the memory of being able to feel my daughter enter the world. It was an extremely special moment, I wouldn't have thought of myself/remembered to do in that moment.  

When I arrived home I was visited a total of 4 times by MGP4 midwives. Liz & Shirley both came to see me. This continuation of care in the immediate time postpartum was also fantastic. It really makes a huge difference when the midwife knows what you have been through in the time leading up to and including the birth. I have no doubt that if Leanne had been around to care for me it would have been the same, if not better, as she had followed me throughout my whole pregnancy. 

I had an extra visit as the child health nurse was not able to visit until the next week, which was excellent. 

I cannot recommend the MGP model of care enough. I think every pregnant woman should be able to access this pathway. I will definitely be requesting MGP4 when I have another baby.