"MAPS Program"

I recently had my second baby while under the care of the MAPS program at Osborne Park Hospital.

My first child was born at Osborne Park Hospital in 2022 and while the care during and post birth was great I was a bit disappointed, especially as a first time mother, with the antenatal care. Most appointments felt rushed and as this was during COVID vaccine time there was a lot of focus and fear monger on that at my appointments, particularly when the appointments were booked in with the Drs.

Second time around I knew I wanted to birth at Osborne Park again but was really hopeful for some form of continuity of care throughout my pregnancy.

At my booking appointment I asked if there was any such program available, to my surprise I was told about their trial program MAPS. This program would pair the pregnant woman with one Midwife for all their antenatal and postnatal appointments, they would also be available via text or call for any questions or concerns at any stage. Hearing this was wonderful news to me and I was so lucky to be allocated to the program under the care of the wonderful Midwife Jo!

It was also at this booking appointment that Jo mentioned that Osborne Park had recently started offering waterbirth as a delivery method.

My previous birth had ended in being rushed to theatre and having a forceps delivery. So second time around I was worried about that occuring again and wasn't sure on how I wanted to birth.

Each appointment with Jo we discussed the option of waterbirth and it was thanks to Jo's knowledge and encouragement that I decided this was the route I wanted to go down.

This time around my birth was a wonderful peaceful experience due to being able to have a waterbirth.

I can't speak highly enough of Jo and the MAPS program, the continuity of care makes all the difference when preparing for birth, you feel at ease at every appointment and well supported in every decision, having someone available via phone outside of appointments for questions/concerns. Appointments were always on time and there was always an option to have the appointments at home!

I had a couple of appointments that I had to see the Drs and each time Jo would make the effort to try attend with me, even on her day off, just to make sure I felt supported and comfortable. They also held morning teas every couple of months for the pregnant families and those who had recently given birth, this gave us a chance to meet the other Midwives on the program and other women who were going through or had been through the same as you.

I feel so lucky to have had the chance to be in this program and hope that many other pregnant women get the opportunity also as it really makes all the difference in the world.