"Becoming a mother"

I gave birth to my first child a beautiful baby boy earlier this year.  I was discharged from hospital 45 minutes away from where I live the following day. The care that was provided to us during our time in hospital was fantastic but due to bed pressures we needed to go home. At this stage I wasn’t able to establish breastfeeding and was feeding my baby by a syringe and hand expressing.

The following morning I had a visit from Yarrawonga Healths Midwife Michelle who was absolutely wonderful. I had a very tough night and as this was my first time as a mother I was learning a lot. Michelle sat with me for some time and provided education and reassurance around the feeding and processes.

Following on from this I had x2 weekly appointments for 3-4 weeks with the team for lactation support and check ups as my baby had jaundice. I saw Amy, Zoellen and Chelsey and these were a mixture of home visits and appointments at the hospital 7 days a week. Post this I have had some phone support from Amy. I have also received wonderful care from the MHCN in town.

I know 3 other new mothers in town and 3 that have had their 2-3 child in the last 12 weeks also who I believe have had similar positive experiences.

I can’t thank the wonderful team of midwife’s at Yarrawonga Health enough for the care, education and support they have provided to me and by baby during the us first 8 weeks. I feel we are extremely lucky to have such a service in our town where resources are very limited.