The innovative model is designed to provide Blue Mountains women and families with a dedicated midwife who will support them throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond.
The program aims to provide a more supportive and personalised approach to maternity care in the region. While it aligns with national and state recommendations to increase access to midwifery continuity of care, it also improves health outcomes for expectant mothers.
Blue Mountains Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Unit Manager, Reenie Kuypers says having a familiar face throughout pregnancy and after birth puts women and families at ease.
“We’re thrilled to offer this program to local women. By providing a known midwife to every woman, the hospital is setting a new standard for quality care and patient satisfaction,” says Reenie.
As well as allowing for a close and trusting relationship to develop, the program has numerous health benefits.
“Continuity of care studies have shown that having the same midwife throughout care increases the likelihood of spontaneous birth, improves breastfeeding rates, and builds confidence in parenting skills,” says Reenie.
When it comes time to birth their baby, women under the care of the Know Your Midwife program will be supported by Blue Mountains Hospital’s birth unit midwives.
Women will be offered to join the Know Your Midwife program when they book for maternity care at Blue Mountains Hospital.
Launched on 28 November 2024, the service celebrated the beginning of the Know Your Midwife program with stakeholders involved in its development.
“This is the result of a collaborative effort between our staff, local community members, and health care stakeholders,” says Reenie.
Attending the launch was Aunty Carol Cooper, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Executive members Brett Williams and Kim Maddock, Blue Mountains Councillors Suzie Van Opdorp and Romola Hollywood, local Aboriginal community members, local community outreach support groups, midwives and obstetricians, local mums and maternity advocates, and Melanie Lewis, Continuity of Care Models Project Lead.
