Today

After a long day I sit here at 11:59pm to just capture a few minutes of my day for Makayla to post in the morning.

Today I have been blessed in many ways – to be there at a wonderful birth, to see a woman who had a difficult time in birth transforming into an amazing mother in front of my eyes, to the good fortune to share another pregnancy with a dear client and friend, to have news that I will have a new nanny in the middle of next week (thank goodness!).

However I have also experienced a really sad day.  I cannot work out what we do to make sure that women REALLY know that they have choices in their care.

Today I have experienced the good (above), the bad (women “finding” us well through pregnancy) and the ugly (women experiencing things no one should ever have to experience and “finding” us way down the track).

I really, really respect the choices that women make – seeing a GP, caseload midwifery care, care with us, private obstetrician, elective caesarean, water birth – but I just WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE CHOICES.  The choices may be simple to make – being off the bed when they birth their baby – or complex – having a home birth in many areas in Queensland.  But we all do have the ability and the right to make choices for ourselves and our babies. 

Please take the time today to just pass the information on to a pregnant friend, relative or colleague.  They have choices.  If they don’t feel “right” in their stomach about the choice they have made, they need to get more information and make another choice. 

Liz x

The Bachelor of Midwifery

My Midwives is a clinical site for Griffith University's Midwifery Program.  We have had several information evenings to talk about the course and we always get asked the question "can I fit this course into my life?".  What better way to answer this than hear from a B Mid student who is a mother of two and works part time.  Her committment and drive to become a midwife has allowed her to achieve work, study and everything that goes with having a family. 

I guess if something is that important to you, you just go ahead and do it.  If you are interested in studying to be a midwife applications for the course are still open until until the 20th of December for the 12th of January round offer through QTAC.  If you have futher questions you can contact info@mymidwives.com.au.   The post is by Jodie who is also an active member of the Friends of the Birth Centre in Toowoomba, yes she is quite a woman!

A Student's Perspective

My passion for midwifery developed after experiencing the births of my two children and being inspired by the midwives who supported me. I fell in love with pregnancy and birth, and here began my insatiable thirst for information and knowledge about the process and intricacies of the miracle of birth. Midwifery seemed a little of reach for me as I had no interest in nursing the ‘unwell’ but rather in supporting women at an extremely empowering time of their life.

Enter  B.Mid!

I have just completed my first year of full time study. It has been one of the most demanding years of my life but by far one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling. I have had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the beginning of new life and birth and have also had the privilege of supporting some amazing women who have kindly agreed to allow me some practical insight into their birthing journey. I have learnt from and worked alongside talented and passionate midwives who are inspirational in their love for their vocation.

The ‘mixed mode’ delivery allows you to work in your own time – around a job, your family and other commitments. The shifts at the hospital can fit around your schedule, allowing you to achieve what you need to do at the most appropriate time for you. However, you are not left alone. The support from the clinical lecturers has been invaluable; providing clinical support and encouragement as well as opportunities for debriefing and development.

The theory this year has included topics such as the history and foundation of midwifery, basic health and nursing skills, communication skills, research development, supporting women from conception to the postpartum period, the human body systems and the development of the baby. 

The course is impressive with the amount of practical opportunities that are presented. I have been involved in the care of over 70 women (and their babies), supported women in over 20 births and have caught six beautiful babies! This year has deepened my passion for midwifery and the provision of woman-centered care to all expectant mothers. I am anticipating the New Year and can’t wait to get my hands on the second year studies! It is busy, it is demanding (physically, mentally, and emotionally!!!) but one of the most rewarding courses you could ever do. Anything worth doing always is!

You make us smile.

My Midwives is less than one year old but already we feel like we have the community we intended creating from the day we first opened our doors. 
When our mothers start to wander through our front door on a Tuesday morning for Mum's group, pushing prams loaded with nappy bags, bubs (of course) and  some yummies to share, we all smile with delight. All of these women have come to us at various stages of pregnancy or after their babies have been born and they are all very special to us in their own way.
What makes us really beam is the fact that we know our morning mothers group usually turns into "mothers day". 

It isn't unusual to look down the stairs to see babies doing what they do - feeding, sleeping and having nappies changed all while their Mummy's drink tea and eat cake.  The My Midwives team all get jealous because often, once the cake is all eaten and the babies are all tuckered out, the mummy party then moves to a cafe for lunch!

Our little community continues to grow and we hope that we can help many, many more mothers start their parenting journey like this - with professional support if needed and a group of Mum's who are on the same road.

Do we love our Mum's coming again and again?  What better feedback could you ask for........

Mx