"My experience in the MAPS program at Osborne park Hospital"

After falling pregnant with our second baby a bit faster than we had anticipated, our private medical insurance wouldn't cover our maternity care. Our first pregnancy was through a private practice, my biggest concern with being in the public system was continuity of care. 

To my relief and surprise I was met by the lovely Erin at my first appointment at Osbourne park, she explained to me the MSPS program that Osborne Park was running. This was to great surprise and I was excited and instantly felt more relaxed to have one main point of contact that was going to be there to support me through my pregnancy. 

I was very happy with Erin who I was assigned to, she was always very informative and supportive of my situation and my family. Originally planning for a vaginal delivery after my first was a C section, she was an advocate for me and my birth plan while always ensuring to make sure I knew I was in the driver's seat and that made me very comfortable in making decisions around my care. 

Overall, I had a very straightforward pregnancy, but as all expecting mothers there was times that I wasn't sure every thing was okay, when I had concerns she was available to assist with providing her experiences and listening to my concerns, and ultimately putting my mind at ease. 

Erin was able to see that I had increased signs and symptoms of anxiety, around my pregnancy, and life after birth. With the trust that she had build with me over our previous appointments she encouraged me to be proactive with my mental health and seek assistance early, seeing as i had PNA and PTSD after my first baby, i was very happy to know that i was able to get help before it is a problem, rather than waiting for it to be a problem. 

I was transferred over to King Eddies to assist in my wish for a vaginal delivery, during that time I was obviously part of the "usual system" of you see the midwife that is available at that time. Although it was only 2 appointments that was in this  structure, it certainly made me realise just how important that Maps program was. I missed having a familiar face and I experienced a sense of stress not knowing who I would be seeing at the appointment. 

I firmly believe expanding and programs such as the MAPS program, increasing continuity of care would reduce mothers with PNA and PND, 

Additionally, I would just like to mention the staff and midwives at the main hospital at osbourne park, they were all very helpful and experienced in what they do.

Thank you for the MAPS program and thank you to Erin, for taking such great care of me and my baby! 🥰