City and country midwives unite to improve bush birth outcomes

Midwives from regional and remote Queensland are strengthening their skills and building confidence, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Brisbane’s busiest maternity hospital.

Mater Hospital midwives have joined forces to upskill country midwives. Picture: Mater Hospital.

Midwives from regional and remote Queensland are strengthening their skills and building confidence, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with their big city sisters.

More than 50 midwives from country hospitals are getting hands-on experience at Brisbane’s Mater Mothers’ Hospital, one of Australia’s busiest maternity units which delivers up to 10,000 babies a year.

For Stanthorpe Hospital midwife Melissa Botha, 26, the opportunity has been a game-changer.

“I grew up in Stanthorpe and always wanted to work in a rural hospital because I’m a country girl at heart,” Ms Botha said.

Mater midwife Penny Musumeci, right, with Stanthorpe midwife Melissa Botha and baby Billie Warman. Picture: Mater Hospital

“At Stanthorpe we have about 100 births a year, compared to up to 10,000 at Mater Mothers’, so you can gain important experience here more quickly and then take that knowledge back home.

“I’ve spent time in the Special Care Nursery previously and now I’m focusing on water births and inductions.

“It’s been so beneficial for me and most importantly, it means I can help more women who want to stay close to home and family when having their baby.”

The joint initiative program, called Strength with Immersion Model and known as SwIM, is part of the Queensland Women and Girls Health Strategy 2032 and is supported by the state’s Chief Midwife Officer.

Program co-ordinator Penny Musumeci said SwIM helped ensure safe, high-quality maternity care across Queensland no matter the postcode.

“We’re focused on helping our colleagues provide even better care for rural and regional women,” Ms Musumeci said.

“Midwives from Weipa to Warwick are taking part in SwIM, and they’re returning to their communities with new knowledge, stronger skills, and greater confidence.

“Mater midwives believe every woman and baby deserves the best possible care, regardless of where they live.”

The joint initiative program is called Strength with Immersion Model and is known as SwIM. Picture: Mater Hospital

Mater employs more than 600 midwives across its Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton hospitals.

Ms Musumeci said bridging the gap between city and country allowed more rural midwives to experience complex clinical environments so they could return to their communities with advanced knowledge and confidence.

Originally published as City and country midwives unite to improve bush birth outcomes