Meet the midwife helping Coast women from bump to birth and beyond

On this International Day of the Midwife, a Hervey Bay nurse shares why being part of the pregnancy journey of so many Fraser Coast women is special to her.

Today is International Day of the Midwife. Jessica Williamson shares her story.

Working in Hervey Bay Hospital’s Marie Gundesen Women’s Unit during her postgraduate year turned into a permanent post for midwife Jessica Williamson.

As International Day of the Midwife was marked on the Fraser Coast on Wednesday, the 24-year-old explained how her experiences early on had strengthened her passion for midwifery.

“I just fell in love with the unit, with the team and with the community … Such a diverse and challenging career, every day is completely different,” Ms Williamson said.

“The thing I love most is being with women every step of the way – from the antenatal period, during the birth and through to the post-natal period – and helping them with the transition through each of those stages.”

Ms Williamson is now part of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) team, giving women the chance to be supported by a known midwife throughout their pregnancy.

“It’s such an intimate time in a family’s life, and it’s really a privilege and very heartwarming to be able to be a part of that,” she said.

International Day of the Midwife is a day to recognise the life-changing impact midwives have on Fraser Coast families.

Midwives across the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay maternity units help about 2,000 families with their skills each year.

WBHHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Fiona Sewell wants midwives to reflect on how well they have dealt with uncertainties the pandemic brought to their job.

WBHHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Fiona Sewell said it was important for midwives to reflect on how well they adapted during COVID-19, dealing with uncertainty pregnant women were faced with.

“Our team should be proud of providing a safe service to local families throughout the past 12 months as we’ve faced so much uncertainty and changes to restrictions,” Ms Sewell said.

“Our midwives have been adaptable in their workplace practices and supportive of families who have faced this uncertainty as new parents.

“It’s their professionalism and compassion that has given local women trust and confidence during their birthing journey.”

Midwife Jessica Williamson works at Hervey Bay hospital, after finding her passion for the job in the Marie Gundesen Women’s Unit.