Midwifery partnerships supporting mothers

5 May 2017

5 May 2017

Celebrating International Day of the Midwife (5 May) at St John of God Health Care (SJGHC) is about highlighting the work and commitment of all our midwives, says Group Director of Nursing Services Cynthia Dowell.

“It is a day to congratulate our midwives and recognise the significant work they do in enhancing the health and wellbeing of pregnant women who come into our care,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia said this year’s theme: “I believe in partnerships” was a great reminder of the role midwives played in helping mothers access short term and ongoing care.

“Midwives don’t just care for mothers and their babies in the birth suite, their care extends to the most important moments during pregnancy and after birth,” she said.

SJGHC Midwife Zoe Islip, who is the SJGHC Maternity Reference Group Coordinator, said creating partnerships to help support and care for mothers before, during and after pregnancy was key.

“Midwives provide key prenatal care which is not only focused on screens and tests but how mothers are coping and listening to their concerns.

“They are often the first to identify mental health concerns for mothers who are struggling with their emotional wellbeing and at St John of God Health Care we can direct these mothers to access community based support at our Raphael Services.”

Zoe said in her experience mothers were often very keen to absorb as much information as possible during pregnancy.

“That means we, as midwives, ensure we have great partnerships with obstetricians, paediatricians, key industry bodies, other mother and baby health services and community groups to offer mums the most up-to-date care and support available,” she said.

“Midwives have a unique opportunity to empower women to make decisions that can have long term benefits for their overall health.”

Find out more about International Day of the Midwife.