‘Nothing can beat it’: expectant mother praises midwife service

Mother-to-be Jessica Wilson is feeling confident about the birth of her first child thanks to the support of her midwife.

Jessica recently had her first home visit as part of the Blacktown Midwifery Group Practice Service, and described the experience as “fantastic”.

The service allows awaiting mothers to access midwifery care and support from the comfort of their own home throughout their pregnancy and for the first two weeks after birth.

The service also supports women who want a natural, intervention free birth, want to breastfeed their babies and are happy for an early discharge from hospital, if all is well after birth.

Continuity of care with a known midwife has been proven to improve outcomes for women and babies and increase breastfeeding success.

Jessica Wilson, who is from Acacia Gardens, said there is no doubt she would recommend the program to other expectant mums.

“Considering it is a public hospital program, it is free of charge, nothing can beat it,” Jessica said.

“This is my first baby and the program has given me the confidence that my midwife will be present for the entirety of my birth and that I will have that constant support.”

Jessica’s midwife Rachel O’Donnell is thrilled to be one of the  midwives involved in the program, and said she enjoys helping families be more prepared for birth and bringing their baby home.

“If the couple already have kids it’s great because both the partner and the kids can be a lot more involved with the experience,” Rachel said.

“It’s also great for the hospital to have  women supported and confident with the care provided in their home.”

If you would like to know more, email wslhd-midwiferygrouppractice-blacktown@health.nsw.gov.au or visit the service’s Facebook page.