"MGP4"

I was lucky enough to be accepted into the care of MGP4 at King Eddies for my first pregnancy. My midwife Leanne was amazing right from our very first appointment. She always made me feel comfortable, answered all my questions and told me enough information to be informed but not overwhelmed. I also had two appointments with other midwives in the team who were both wonderful and helpful. 

At 38+6 weeks I woke up around 8.30 (after a poor night's sleep) in the morning to go to the bathroom and felt what I thought was my waters breaking. I already had an appointment with my midwife that morning so I called her to let her know. She asked me a few questions, reassured me and got me to come to my appointment a bit early. It was the second week of Perth's lockdown so I had to wear a mask and get screened at the hospital before going to my appointment. Leanne confirmed my waters had broken and I now had to try and get labour started. She suggested going out for lunch and going for a nice walk to try and get things moving. Otherwise, we'd be back for antibiotics at 18 hours or induction the next day. 

Also due to lockdown, my husband wasn't able to attend the appointment which was disappointing but understandable. I was a bit in shock that my waters had broken and not having him with me in the appointment was bit sad but I also trying to relay everything to him after was hard! 

After lunch at a walk (such a good idea!), we were home around 2pm and my contractions started to ramp up. Looking back I'd probably been having contractions all morning every 15-20minutes, I just thought they were cramps! After about an hour my contractions were coming hard and fast, I was walking around the house, moving from kneeling over the couch then to the bed I just needed to keep moving. My husband called Leanne and gave her an update, she was so calm and relaxed, told me to take some panadol, have a shower and try to rest, try to stay at home as long as possible. I tried all of this but my contractions were so intense. My husband called again to update Leanne, she provided us with more reassurance everything was ok and to keep going as we know that going in to hospital can slow everything down. I was happy to continue at home. 

At 5pm I just felt like we needed to go to the hospital now (15 minute drive), I remember saying to my husband that I couldn't do it any more (transition!!!). He called Leanne to say we were on our way and she said she would meet us there. We were almost at the hospital when I told my husband I needed to push! 

Again due to COVID lockdown, my husband had to answer the screening questions at the front of the hospital, while I was trying not to scream the house down! The wonderful ladies at the screening desk went through it all so quickly, got me a wheelchair and quickly helped my husband push me up to labour ward. Leanne was there waiting for us and I told her I thought I needed to push. I somehow got on to the bed for her to examine me, where she told me I was fully dilated and it was time to push! She offered me some gas, which i remember thinking wasn't doing anything but it really was. I know there was a few other midwives in the room helping but I remember Leanne talking me through what was going on and helping me. After 40minutes of pushing (6.39pm) our little girl entered the world happy and healthy. I got skin to skin straight away and for ages and my placenta luckily came out naturally. 

I had a small tear that needed stitching however after waiting for a doctor for about 2 hours a ward midwife, Carly, ended up doing my stitches instead. We also had to wait for about 3 hours for the paediatrician (it was a busy night!) to check our baby before we could go home. Due to waiting so long for Leanne went home, it was now after midnight, so Carly took over our care. We eventually were discharged home at 3am, which we were very happy to do. My baby and I were happy and healthy and we were ready to go home with my husband. 

The MGP4 midwives then visited us at home for 5 days which was incredible. Leanne, Katy and Paula were all so helpful, calm and supportive visiting and helping us at home. I can not thank the whole team enough for everything they did for us throughout my pregnancy and birth and afterwards. The continuity of care, the relaxed but safe atmosphere and support was so incredible to have and I know it helped me to have a wonderful birth experience, although very quick and intense! 

I have recommended MGP and this style of care to many people and I hope I am lucky enough to be in the care of MGP4 for future pregnancies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are all incredible!