BY ERIKA SEYMOUR
06 May, 2010 02:38 PM
SPECIALISED CARE: Clinical midwife specialist Cathy Carter, midwife Carla Santarossa and intern Karli Axelby say midwives are important in pregnancy, birth and post-natal care.
The dedicated team at Queanbeyan Hospital's low risk birthing unit didn't stop to celebrate International Midwives Day this week.But the Age stopped in to talk about the important role the unit has in everything from pregnancy and birth to post-natal care.
Clinical midwife specialist Cathy Carter said many people did not know midwives had a specialised role.
``There's a lot of autonomy in the profession. Our focus is wellness, not sickness,'' she said.
``We have a share-care model with GPs so women get to know their midwives. This has very good outcomes.''
As the Queanbeyan unit is smaller than ones in larger cities mothers get plenty of support. Many travel from Canberra to give birth in the unit.
``They like the personal care, and they have their own rooms here. Most public hospitals have share rooms,'' she said.
``We are involved in the birthing process from start to finish, unlike larger hospitals where midwives are posted to a particular section, for instance post-natal.
``Here we cover the whole lot. For young nurses it's a great educational experience.''
Karli Axelby, 21, of Canberra is experiencing that learning curve first-hand.
She's currently spending three weeks in the unit as part of her studies.
``I'm in my second year at Canberra university studying a Bachelor of Midwifery,'' she said.
``I love being around babies. I didn't know what the course would be like until after my first day but I just loved it.''
Miss Axelby said so far work experience had been great.
``Everyone is so supportive,'' she said.
At university, her peer group includes mature age students, people with adult children, and a few young people.
'`They aren't any men in my year,'' she said.
The course is new in the scheme of midwifery.
``The age of midwives is moving up so they're desperately trying to get more women into it,'' Mrs Carter said.
``In response to that there's now a direct course people can do rather than having to be a registered nurse first then study midwifery.''
The midwifery specialist said research on the benefits of midwifery was very positive.
``For women the unit is essential we certainly have a bond with women,'' Mrs Carter said.
The unit has 25 nurses in total, ranging from casual, part time and full time positions.
One program run by the unit is Midcall where midwives visit homes of new mothers and offer support to the family.
Taking a look around the tea room it's easy to see their work is appreciated.
It's filled with flowers and chocolates from thankful families.
``Many community groups also regularly donate cakes, rugs and hand-sewn blankets,'' Mrs Carter said.
Another program on offer through the unit is a four week birthing and parent class.
In addition there are dieticians on hand to offer healthy eating and pregnancy advice.
``Women who come to the unit have access to a lot of information and advice.
``We cater for everyone; young mothers, mothers having their second and third child and so on,'' she said.
``The size of our unit means we're flexible to various parents' needs.''
Mrs Carter said the birth rate in Queanbeyan was increasing.
