"Fantastic experience with MGP4 at KEMH"

After three previous pregnancies under the care of obstetricians in the private hospital system, we fell pregnant with our fourth surprise baby. As we no longer had maternity cover on our health insurance, we were referred by our GP and a friend to join the Midwifery Group Practice at KEMH and ended up having our best pregnancy/birthing experience.

We were lucky enough to be placed with Laura from MGP4 who was fantastic throughout the whole pregnancy. I saw her for all my antenatal appointments and she was always very knowledgeable and thorough in answering all my questions/concerns. I was amazed that I never had to wait for an appointment and that I was given so much information and had all the options available to me in the pregnancy/birthing journey explained to me which was quite empowering.

It was really reassuring having the same midwife along for the whole journey – it made me feel comfortable and relaxed having a familiar face who knew my background and my birthing wishes. It was also reassuring knowing that if anything was of concern, I could contact her directly and she was always very responsive. In fact, all the midwives I met from MGP4 were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly and I feel sure they all provide excellent care.

Laura went to extra efforts to ensure she could remain with us to deliver our son and we feel so grateful to her for that. It was comforting having her around for the whole birth – from the induction after my waters broke, to labour, the delivery and getting me settled in the postnatal ward. I cannot thank Laura enough for such a wonderful birthing experience and for looking after me and helping me deliver my son safely. She was such a calming and positive influence during the birth and made us feel supported the whole journey.

After having experienced both the MGP program and the private hospital system, I can honestly say that to me, there is very little difference in the facilities provided and I found the quality of care in both to be very high. I would highly recommend going through the MGP if you can. The main benefit (in my view) is the continuity of care provided by the same midwife, and having her there with you throughout labour and the whole birth – I felt safe, comfortable and supported the whole time. I believe many women would benefit from the MGP model and hopefully it is a program that becomes more widespread and readily available for all women in the future.

Thank you once again to Laura and the wonderful midwives in MGP4 for such a positive experience – I believe you all do such an amazing job!!