All-Risk Continuity (ARC) Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) now offered at FSH

Tara of Coogee cannot thank Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) midwife Ebony enough after she provided continuity of care across her Next Birth after Caesarean Section (NBAC) pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey for the welcoming of baby Holly into the world this year.

Having had her first baby via caesarean section in 2022, Tara was thrilled to be able to have the support of continuity of care midwife Ebony alongside doctors in what is a ‘higher risk’ category of birth.

"I wanted to try for a natural birth, and with the supportive and trusting relationship built with my same, known midwife Ebony, I felt I could," Tara said.

"After a 40-hour labour, I made the decision with Ebony, the medical team and my partner to have a caesarean section, but felt supported the whole way through and empowered from the birth experience."

Now offering an All-Risk Continuity (ARC) Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), FSH is providing more options for evidence-based, best-practice continuity of midwifery care enabling women like Tara with higher-risk factors the ability to be cared for by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatally, in collaboration with medical teams.

Acting Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery, Leanne Graham, said midwifery continuity of care, working alongside the medical teams is important to FSH in all pregnancies.

"Continuity of midwifery care improves the emotional wellbeing of women and can decrease the impact of birth trauma, while also improving maternity outcomes," Leanne said.

"Continuity models also provide opportunities for midwives to work to their full scope of practice which improves their workforce satisfaction and retention."

Ebony said she loves seeing the same women as Tara right through their perinatal journey.

"You really get to know these women and build a trust and rapport with them that gives them the confidence to trust in you when they give birth," Ebony said.

"With this new ARC MGP offering, alongside our existing Family Birthing Centre, Maternity Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPs), which now also use Endorsed Midwives to their full scope of practice, FSH are offering a full suite of midwifery-led supportive birthing experiences for Mums, expanding choice and giving best practice care with improved outcomes," Leanne said.

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