Epworth’s video series is helping ‘daunted’ new parents

Leaving hospital with a baby can be a daunting prospect for new parents, who’ll often turn to google for answers. But Epworth Healthcare’s new web series is being hailed a game changer by one mummy blogger.

Blogger Erin Giansiracusa, with two of her four kids, Billy, 2, and Olivia, 2, is the voice of Epworth Healthcare’s Mobile Midwife series. Picture: Mel Lawler

New mums can often find themselves flying blind when they leave hospital.

But a new Epworth Maternity video series, Mobile Midwife, aims to help first-time parents and drive them away from ‘googling’ the answers they need.

The videos cover everything from swaddling and dressing to nutrition and mental health and is available for any expectant or new parent to view.

Head of Epworth Freemasons Maternity Jennifer Francis said the transition from hospital to home could be daunting.

“Our patients spend four days with us and during that time we’re able to help guide and empower new parents to care for their precious newborn,” she said.

“But there’s a lot to take in. During those early days, you’re recovering from birth and adjusting to a new life, so we wanted to find a way to support our parents beyond our hospital walls.

“Many women these days don’t have a large support group around them. We hope that we can be part of their online village, by sharing expert knowledge and decades of experience in a way that’s easy to access.”

New parents are increasingly turning to the internet and social media for support.

The Mums Group blogger, and mother of four, Erin Giansiracusa said she wished Mobile Midwife had been around when she had her children.

“I think this kind of support is long overdue and it’s worth noting that the videos aren’t just for Epworth patients,” she said.

“I had no idea about things like how to swaddle your baby.”

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While the old adage suggested it took a village to raise a child, Ms Giansiracusa said many mums didn’t have a physical support base and often turned to social media.

“Sometimes you can go a whole day or week without speaking with another adult, especially when you’ve gone from a corporate environment. It’s great to be able to connect with people online,” she said.

“You feel like you are not the only one going through this.”

CHECK OUT THE MOBILE MIDWIFE VIDEOS HERE

Mobile Midwife also explored a topic few women considered during their first few months with a newborn, she said.

“We’re often left to our own devices and can start to struggle physically and mentally,” Ms Giansiracusa said.

“Dealing with that can sometimes just be a matter of checking in if you are having a hard time, resting when you can and accepting offers of help from others.”

For more information visit the Epworth website.