Related stories: York mother forced to give birth on side of the road
Northam Hospital has seen its first birth since 2015 after a new midwife program was introduced earlier this year.
Northam resident Liz Osborne gave birth to a baby boy, Thomas John, in the re-opened maternity unit on November 11, with the support of midwives Marie Hill and Judi Turner.
The program was introduced after unsuccessful attempts at hiring a full time obstetrician.
Dr Colin Smythe was a long-serving obstetrician of Northam District Hospital for 35 years, and up until his retirement in July 2015, delivered an average 50 babies a year.
I know a few other women who have recently given birth who unfortunately missed out on giving birth in Northam who I believe would have found everything so much easier here
- Liz Osborne
The need for wheatbelt birthing options was highlighted in the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate last October, when a York mother was forced to deliver her fourth child on the side of the road, after she didn’t make it in time to St John of God public hospital in Midland.
Under the Wheatbelt Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), four experienced midwives based at the hospital will support women without any pregnancy complications for birth, antenatal and postnatal care, in collaboration with GPs where required.
Women with pregnancy complications are required to birth at a metropolitan hospital but the MGP will provide their antenatal and postnatal care in collaboration with their metropolitan maternity service.
Mum-of-three Liz, said her experience with the program was positive.
“Dealing with Judi and Marie was easy, relaxed and exactly what you want as a first-time mum or third-time mum,” she said.
“From the first meeting with Marie, not only was I confident in dealing with the midwives and birthing in Northam, I was excited – and everyone who knew me soon heard the news of me being able to birth in Northam.”
“I know a few other women who have recently given birth who unfortunately missed out on giving birth in Northam who I believe would have found everything so much easier here.”
Wheatbelt regional director Sean Conlan said the WA Country Health Service was pleased to be able to reinstate birthing for women without complications at Northam Hospital.
“Bringing maternity services back to Northam was something local women were very keen on and we are really glad to have found a safe way to offer local maternity care again,” he said.
Under the program, women receive continuity of maternity care by being matched with a midwife who they meet regularly during pregnancy and supports them through labour and early postnatal care.
The program is supported by obstetric services from St John of God Midland Public Hospital which provides antenatal appointments and medical care in the event a woman needs to transfer to Perth.
For more information contact Wheatbelt.MidwiferyGroupPractice@health.wa.gov.au or 9690 1633.