TWELVE months after it was first introduced, Bathurst Base Hospital's Midwife Group Practice, which provides continuous care for expectant mums has been labelled an "outstanding success."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The model, which was introduced in November 2018, was a new birthing opportunity where families could have their own midwife to provide continuous care throughout pregnancy, during labour and after the birth of their baby.
To mark 12 months since it's inception, Bathurst Base Hospital hosted a party celebrating its success, which was attended by a large group of new mums and their babies, all of whom used the service during their pregnancy and after delivery.
At it's launch 12 months ago, Bathurst Health Service General Manager, Cathy Marshall said the model would allow mothers to get to know their midwife, which ultimately provides a better birth experience for the mother and her family.
The benefits of the new model didn't end there, with midwives also offering post birth care provided in the home with some mums able to return home as early as four hours after the birth.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Susannah Robinson, a clinical midwife and educator at Bathurst Base Hospital's maternity unit, who worked on the model during its development last year, attended the birthday celebration held at the hospital in its honour on Friday.
She said feedback from families had been overwhelming positive.
She said under the model a team of four midwives had a case load or between 37 and 42 women each, and provided them with antenatal and postnatal care.
The midwives worked in teams of two, ensuring when it came time for the mother to deliver, at least one of the midwives would be available to assist.
Ms Robinson said over 160 families had accessed the program, and with exception of those who had to deliver in Sydney hospitals due to complications all had gone on to give birth in Bathurst with their midwife assisting.
She said families had really embraced the new model.
"There has been overwhelming support, I've already spoken to mums who have used the model and want to come back with their next pregnancy," she said.
"People have really loved it," she said.
