"Pregnancy and birth"

December last year (best Christmas present to date) we found out we were expecting a new addition to our family. I instantly got in contact with my local MGP clinic after a million recommendations, and was allocated to an angel in disguise, Leanne.

Throughout my pregnancy, I received such personalised care and support from my midwife and the clinic, I felt truly cared for and supported which wouldn't have happened in a traditional care plan situation I don't think. Having my own care provider to check in with whenever I needed was amazing, and I always felt kept in the loop with pregnancy and my own care, as well as knowing what would happen next. They were able to even come to my house during labour to assist in keeping me more comfortable, whilst also maintaining a safe environment, ensuring both myself and bub were safe for the entire experience.

My midwife knew my individual wants for my birth and allowed for my birth story to go as close to that as medically allowed. She was my biggest advocate, supporting me through every contraction and transition, I could not be more grateful.

We experienced a slight emergency when baby got stuck, however due to my midwife's knowledge and skills, I was able to remain calm, knowing that I was in her extremely knowledgeable and experienced hands. The doctor on call came rushing in (as well as all the maternity ward midwives on at the time) but ultimately made the right calls for me and baby on the day and I could not fault a single thing, their care was amazing and bedside manner impeccable.

We were in hospital for 4 days following the birth where bub had to stay in special care, however, MGP visits after birth every day for at least a week, and they came in and checked on me, making sure I was okay, bub was okay, my needs were met and I was feeling supported. They were almost a liaison between myself and the hospital midwives if they thought my care was not adequate, and were able to provide answers for me when the hospital wouldn't or couldn't. They allowed for my breastfeeding journey to continue outside of the hospital by providing a breast pump free of charge to borrow, as well as support from their very own lactation trained midwife who assisted in further developing my breastfeeding ability.

Even now, over a month after giving birth and moving regions, my MGP midwife is still getting in contact with me to check in and see how I'm going.  Even after care providers have changed, because I believe the bond created by the MGP program between the pregnant woman and the midwife is truly like no other and will remain regardless of time, distance or work requirements. 

I had the most amazing experience through MGP, which I'm certain I wouldn't have had otherwise, and I would recommend the program to every pregnant woman, no matter what.