For a landmark time in life, they are a woman’s closest advisor.
The counsel and care of Midwives may be all too brief, but it is a relationship which is never forgotten. The service and skill of Armidale Midwives was celebrated with a special dinner at the Coughing Gherkin on International Midwives Day, Saturday, May 5.
“We are here celebrating our team and what we do, as well as celebrating the journey that women make through pregnancy and childbirth,” said Armidale Nursing Unit Manager Maternity and Pediatrics, Siobhan Davies.
There are 16 Midwives on staff at Armidale Hospital who look after women throughout their pregnancy, from antenatal (before the baby is born), pregnancy, childbirth, labour and then after the baby is born.
“A number of Midwives also work in Child and Family Health, who then see the women afterwards while their babies are growing,” said Siobhan.
“It is a really rewarding career, especially being a part of a very important time in people’s lives.”
The birth rate in Armidale is fairly static, if not a little bit down on the average, says Siobhan, which she attributes to the present economic climate.
Midwives are no longer nurses who move into Midwifery but are now highly trained specifically as Midwives from when they start their career.
“In Armidale, we don’t have direct entry Midwives,” said Siobhan.
“We have a post graduate program and we have two students this year in their Midwifery.
“They do a full-time work load as well as distance education for 12 months.”
It is exciting times for Midwives in Armidale, with the hospital adopting a new case model load which is changing the way Midwives deliver their care.
“We are introducing group practice into our care,” said Siobhan.
“We have a really big Midwifery model of care here in Armidale, so I think it will enhance what we already provide.”
