"MGP program is amazing"

I was a part of the MGP program at Margaret River Hospital for my first pregnancy and birth. My midwife was Katie and her backup was Anita. It is an invaluable service and I felt so grateful to be assigned a midwife who walked me through the pregnancy journey as I had no idea what to expect. It was great to have continuity of care where I didn’t have to spend time giving history of my pregnancy at each appointment, where they got to know my partner and also what was really important for me during my labour. I also feel the birth education run by WA country health (positive birth education and 4th trimester) was very helpful in preparing for labour. However, i feel that I lost a lot of the more personal touches with the courses being held online due to covid. Hopefully they are held face to face if I choose to have another baby in the future.

During birth I was lucky enough to have both my midwives (Katie and Anita) to support me through a very hard labour where they helped with different positions, back rubs and positive affirmations to get me through an unmedicated birth. I felt so cared for and also that my birth preferences were taken seriously and respected by both of them, as well as the OB that was present Heidi. Due to complications, I did need some interventions but as I had educated myself and had such a strong support team, I could make informed decisions for the safe delivery of my baby. 

The other reason that the MGP is invaluable is the aftercare provided. the home visits were so amazing with Katie bringing some lactation cookies and Anita bringing flowers and homemade yoghurt. Both these gifts meant so much to me and were so appreciated. I enjoyed having them come and check up on us and help us with all the stuff that you deal with as new parents. Breastfeeding, settling, sleep, gasiness, poo and baby massage were only some of the tips they helped us with during the many visits they did for those first 6 weeks. Also having them come out at least once a week to weigh baby was so good to know that bub was gaining weight which is something I was worrying about with breastfeeding and not knowing how much they were getting.

One thing that I feel could be improved in the MR area is to have a Women’s Health Physio that is part of the public system. It is a shame that so many women have issues post birth and have to go private to get support with massive wait times and obviously a cost which not all people can afford. I believe this should definitely be something that should be invested in.