"Birthing in Broome"

Firstly I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be able to live in country WA so far away from metro service and still have an incredible experience particularly through the MGP service.

I wanted to provide my feedback to WACHS Broome to let the team know how amazing they are and lucky we are to have amazing staff and facilities in Broome.

We had Jo as our MGP midwife who we had also had for our sons birth. We were so grateful for this continuity and made me feel supported and safe throughout the pregnancy. We agreed to participate in the student midwife program as well and had Pip follow us through this journey who was always helpful including sending through relevant information which was great.

As we had last birthed during COVID and the birth suites were being renovated it was amazing to see the difference in the services including the importance of face to face check ins and number of services as well as the physical space, including being able to make the room dark!

As a same sex couple we needed to go through IVF so were placed in the high-risk clinic for obs/gyn check in. We were supported by Liz and recommended to be induced before 40 weeks but our little girl had a different plan with my waters breaking at 39 weeks.

Jo was so professional but supportive throughout the pregnancy but particularly with birth. She was very clear throughout about WACHS policies. This was particularly relevant after labouring at home for 14 hours I came into hospital to use the pool. I was so grateful for her knowledge as I got out of the water for antibiotics and VE having my forewaters broken and then was able to get back in the pool. I really believe if I didn't get back in the pool I would have had a completely different birth.

Kylie (midwife) was amazingly helpful particularly with positions before Jo (MGP) was able to attend. The following 3 hours was very intense but I felt supported even though in the transition phase I was asking for any way out! (epidural, c-section). Jo was calm and reassured my as I transitioned to pushing phase. Jo had provided me with education on pushing phase in out MGP appointments as well as the support of the online positive birthing program through WACHS I was able to effectively push out our little girl.

Having the option of the online positive birthing course for us was great with a toddler but I am sure face to face classes in the future would be beneficial. 

After the birth I was getting ongoing contractions for a few hours which, Jo sought out medical support and the amazing Dr TP completed a bedside assessment and ultrasound and identified a clot. She provided me with choices of how to remove it at which time I agreed for an internal. She was able to remove the clot quickly and I was very grateful for her expertise.

We were able to be home from hospital within 12 hours of birth and we feel incredibly grateful for the experience we had and the expertise of the amazing staff. Thank you!

Particular thanks to:

The midwife team: Jo (MGP midwife), Kylie, Ela, Steph, Liz, Pip (student midwife)

Obs/gyn: Dr Liz, Dr TP

Positive birthing team- online modules