Celebrating Western Sydney’s midwives

Western Sydney Local Health District is encouraging the community to recognise and celebrate the importance of the midwifery profession as part of International Midwives Day (5 May).

International Day of the Midwife is celebrated every year to promote the vital role midwives play in the lives of women and their families.  

This year’s theme is Midwives: Defenders of Women’s Rights.  

Midwives are the main caregivers for women and their newborns during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and in the post-delivery period.

They also ensure mothers have rights to informed choices and support at an important time in their lives.

Western Sydney midwives certainly have their hands filled with babies, with the population around them booming at a rapid rate.

At Blacktown alone, more than 1,200 babies have been delivered this year. In fact, the projected number of births are expected to be in excess of 4,200 in 2019, with the birth rate up by 15 per cent in the last year.

Marking International Midwives Day, acting divisional nurse manager for Women’s and Children’s Health at Blacktown Hospital Michelle Gallagher acknowledged the role of midwives at the booming Blacktown.

“The midwives at Blacktown Hospital are committed to the quality care that they provide, and the results show because women feel safe,” Michelle said.

“We have a diverse group of midwives of many cultural backgrounds that are committed to the care of women and their families.

Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Danielle Levis acknowledged midwives across the Western Sydney Local Health District.

“Many of the staff like to work at Blacktown Hospital because we have a dynamic team that are loyal. Many have been working at the facility for a long time.”

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the essential care provided to mothers and their newborns,” Danielle said.

“Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting the best possible outcome for a healthy baby and a happy and supported family.”

Blacktown Hospital currently provides birthing services, a midwifery group practice service allowing continuity of care with one midwife and midwifery at home services.

There are also a range of women’s health clinics including antenatal and gynaecology clinics.

The baby boom in the region will be supported by the expansion of maternity and birthing services as part of the $700 million redevelopment of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.

The new facilities include new birthing rooms, most with birthing pools and expanded newborn care for babies who need extra support.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost with an extra 5000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment in frontline staff.

To help celebrate the work of midwives, nominations are now open for the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards and can be made here, they close on Friday 28 June 2019.

Would you like to join our team at Western Sydney Local Health District? Visit https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au today.