20 babies born in Weipa after one year of re-opened birthing unit

Twenty women have given birth in Weipa since it reopened a year ago, but what should mums expect of the returned maternity service?

Emily Thorogood delivered the first baby at the re-opened Weipa birthing service, a son called Vin. Pictured with partner Alistair and other son Kai. Picture: Supplied

Twenty mums have given birth in Weipa since the maternity service opened a year ago.

The birthing unit runs as a part of the Weipa Integrated Health Service and services surrounding areas including Napranum, Mapoon and Aurukun.

The service hadn’t been open since 1999, with staff shortages delaying the reopening in late 2021 and again in late 2022.

Before its opening, women often had to travel 800kms to Cairns or fly to Thursday Island to give birth.

Some women still choose to birth outside of Weipa for various reasons, including to be closer to loved ones and to have access to complex medical care if required.

Emily Thorogood delivered the first baby at the service, a son named Vin on May 28, 2024.

Vin, the first baby born at the re-opened Weipa birthing service. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Thorogood and partner Alistair originally booked to fly to Cairns to deliver Vin, but following the opening of the service, asked to deliver in Weipa.

“When we got the approval, it was such a relief,” Ms Thorogood said.

“My first son Kai was born in Mareeba so we had to fly out of Weipa at 36 weeks and that would have been even more difficult to do with Vin when we had Kai to consider.

“We live and work in Weipa and it’s our home.

“With Vin, I was able to labour at home for a while, then just drive two minutes to the hospital and Vin was born half an hour later.”

Another Weipa mum, Maddi, who delivered the service’s second baby Millie, had originally planned to deliver in Ipswich and praised the individualised care she received in Weipa.

The second baby born at the Weipa birthing service, Millie. Picture: Supplied.

“It was just about us and our baby from when we first moved to Weipa and had our first appointment with our midwife,” she said.

“We had our own birth suite, brand new facilities, our own room and Lincoln (her partner) was able to stay overnight with us – it was very special.”

Dr John Hall, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Western Director of Medical Services, said the service was also pivotal for First Nations women so they could birth on Country.

“Birthing on Country or a close to home as possible is so important for our First Nations communities,” he said.

“The social, economic, and cultural cost of leaving community for over a month, in a foreign environment, without family supports, to have their babies cannot be understated.”

Since 2022, there has also been a midwifery group practice service in Weipa, which provides antenatal and postnatal services.

Since May 22, 2024, the MGP has received 151 referrals from women in the area.

Originally published as 20 babies born in Weipa after one year of re-opened birthing unit