"MGP5, Pregnancy and Childbirth"

I was a patient of MGP5's Jessica and her buddy midwife Maddi from week 20 of my low-risk pregnancy. Throughout my time with them, I inevitably had moments of concern or confusion and Jessica and Maddi would guide me with the utmost patience (despite it being 1am) and help me feel confident in my body and what it was capable of.

Having a specific midwife that I had come to know and felt comfortable with, I was more open to calling when I was worried and asking questions than I otherwise would have been.

The flood of relief I felt when I saw Jessica's face as I walked into the Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit during active labour was amazing. I knew I was in a place that could take care of me and my son. Eventually, Maddi had to take over my delivery and she guided me through the steps of pushing and breathing. I'm so grateful for their presence during a moment where I had no idea what I was doing or how to do it.

I was also lucky enough to experience home visits for a week after my son's birth where Jessica and Maddi would come to me rather than me going to them. This service was a life saver in the days after becoming a parent. From the moment they would arrive, my partner and I would bombard them with questions and concerns and they would never bat an eye. I don't know how I would have coped, not being able to look forward to their visits.

MGP5 was an amazing experience and I feel so lucky that I was able to participate. Jessica and Maddi, you guys were my heroes.