"My birth and experiences with the midwives"

I'll be honest. In the lead-up to the birth of my daughter, I did not feel at ease at all that I was going to be giving birth at Wonthaggi hospital. All through my prenatal appointments, I seemed to have a different midwife or a different obstetrician each time. It felt too impersonal.

When I had to have testing for blood clots at emergency and at Traralgon, I had to chase up to make sure all my results were in my file for my next appointment, and that they had been sent to my GP. I sent an email, then I phoned to make sure they were collected (they weren't) but in all fairness, they were in the file for my next appointment after I chased them up. This is a reflection on the administrative side of things.

However, I was absolutely blown away by the level of care I received when I went in to be induced. They explained everything to me very thoroughly, allowed me to ask questions and gave me choices instead of making decisions for me.

The day of my induction, my obs Dr. Sarah showed me the various tools that were going to be used and this was helpful for me, so I felt more involved in the process. She also explained everything very thoroughly. I had a great midwife to start off the process (her name I have forgotten, unfortunately - beginning with B I think?) but she put me at ease and allowed me to move about while I was having contractions during the day.

She then clocked off and then I had Megan. She was absolutely wonderful, very patient, very understanding and I felt totally supported by her through the whole process.  She accommodated my needs and again allowed me to make informed decisions on my medication. I could not have asked for a better person to help me deliver my baby. Towards the end, the obs Dr. from Melbourne (I think Miras was his name) came in to the pushing stage and so did Chantelle. They were all cheering me on and oh my gosh, that really helps when you are tired after 12 hours of labour.

My baby was delivered safe and sound, and myself and my partner were left alone to have skin to skin for at least 3 hours with no disruptions. It was perfect.

The 48 hours afterward that we were in the post-birth rooms was also great. Although it was a little tricky as we weren't allowed to leave the room due to Covid restrictions, we were able to call a midwife and ask for anything we needed. They were very obliging and knowledgeable and patient.

I'd like to highlight the care of Lauren as she was the midwife who brought me in early and organised an ultrasound. It was off the back of this that they realised I should be induced as the baby was at risk. She also gave a great run down before I left hospital and answered heaps of questions.

Megan because her skills as a midwife were second to none and were perfectly aligned with what I needed.

Dr Miras, he was wonderful, and considering I had never met him before my delivery, he was very supportive and had an excellent bedside manner. Very friendly and not too clinical at all.

All in all, the level of care far surpassed mine and my partner's expectations and I would be more than happy to deliver at Wonthaggi maternity again. In my opinion, all of these midwives that work here don't get enough credit for the amazing work they do. I left feeling extremely happy and ready for a new life with my new family.

Thank you team.