Midwives providing exceptional care for Brisbane mums
- Release Date: 29/04/2005
- Media Contact: Miranda Hunt 0410 417 790
A normal and happy baby is what everyone hopes for after nine months of pregnancy. The last thing you want to think about is the possibility that your baby could develop abnormalities while in the womb.
The possibility does arise and many expecting parents faced with the prospect may feel uncertain of what to expect and how to prepare for the birth. There is someone who can offer you the support and guidance you may need throughout this time—a midwife.
Midwives play a very important role during the antenatal and postnatal period. They provide women and their families all the care, advice and support they need during all stages of pregnancy, through their labour and birth—as well as helping parents adjust once their baby is born.
Lynette McCann of Annerley has been working as a midwife in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department at Mater Mothers' Hospital for six years, but at the beginning of this year she became the Midwife Case Manager in this department.
Lynette McCann said she felt privileged to be a midwife because it enabled her to be involved in people's lives at a time which is so intimate and rewarding.
"Being involved in something as miraculous as pregnancy and childbirth was the reason I became a midwife and I have been very fortunate that I can offer my support and advice to women and their families at time which is so personal.
"As the Midwife Case Manager in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department at Mater Mothers' Hospital, I am responsible for co-ordinating the care of women whose babies have been diagnosed with fetal abnormalities in utero or are experiencing complex pregnancies, which includes scheduling follow up appointments with specialists, arranging accommodation and providing ongoing antenatal care and education.
"Many of these women have been referred from all over Queensland and Northern New South Wales and will need to have ongoing care and support during their pregnancy, however, the outcome is not always positive and more often these women will need to deliver at Mater and my main aim is to make this process for the women and their families much easier.
"I believe midwives play an essential role during pregnancy, especially with special cases, such as fetal abnormalities, because we have the knowledge and skills to answer any questions expecting parents may have and we can educate and inform them on how to make the right decisions for them and their baby during labour and birth.
"I would really recommend midwifery as a career, because it is a job that allows you to empower the women and their families you care for as well as becoming representatives for these patients and the choices they make about their pregnancies, births and parenting," said Lynette McCann, Midwife Case Manager, Maternal Fetal Medicine Department, Mater Mothers' Hospital.
Thursday fifth May is International Midwives Day and midwives at the Mater Mothers' Hospital will be celebrating this wonderful occupation.
"I am looking forward to celebrating International Midwives Day with my co-workers and patients," said Ms McCann.
Mater Mothers' Hospital would like to thank and acknowledge all midwives who work at the hospital and in the local community.