From tracking down dads who get lost on the way to the hospital, to greeting a new generation of North Queensland Cowboys fans, Townsville midwife Rebekah has seen and done most things when it comes to welcoming babies into the world.

On International Day of the Midwife,  Rebekah is shining the spotlight on the work of midwives to raise awareness about the crucial care they provide to Townsville mothers and their families.

The Mater Private Hospital Townsville Clinical Coordinator said it was a privilege to be part of one of the most memorable days of a family’s life.

For the past eight years, she has supported hundreds of women from across North Queensland to welcome their babies into the world.

“From preconception through pregnancy to childbirth is an incredibly special period for women and the families,” Rebekah said.

“As a team, all of the midwives at Mater in Townsville work hard to make sure every mum receives the support she wants and needs, and that her baby is born healthy and safely.

“I’m often inspired by the dedication and commitment of my colleagues who ensure their patients are their top priority, both before childbirth and afterwards.”

With a 16-month-old daughter of her own, MRebekah said she had first-hand experience with the roller coaster of emotions that many expectant mums experience through preconception, pregnancy and birth.

“It can be a really anxious time for mums, especially first-time mums,” she said.

“Apart from our clinical knowledge and expertise, midwives can also help mums navigate some of their concerns and anxieties and feel confident about the birth of their baby,” she said.

On a lighter note, Rebekah also said midwives help families in less formal ways.

“I once had a dad from Normanton who was lucky to witness the birth of his first child after getting lost on the way to the hospital,” she said.

“Dad was actually out in his chopper when he got the call to say bub was on the way, so he flew to the local town. He got lost along the way and they had to send grandma out to find him.

“Luckily dad made it into the delivery room just as his baby was coming out.”

Rebekah also said several current and former North Queensland Cowboys had become first-time dads at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

Last year, former Cowboys player turned Newcastle Knights halfback Jake Clifford drove 1300kms to arrive by his wife Stephanie’s side just 55 minutes before she birthed their baby girl, Naivy, at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville.

Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Rebekah said the 30-strong team of midwives at Mater Private Hospital Townsville was busier than ever, and continued to band together to ensure every family welcomed their new addition safely and with the support they needed.

“We had five sets of twins born in one month earlier this year, and we are welcoming about 12 more babies each month compared with the same time last year so our maternity unit is much busier.

“This gives me a great sense of pride that mums and dads want to have their babies with us at Mater.”