International Midwives Day

At Grampians Health, we think everyday should be International Midwives Day.

We caught up with Adrienne this week to thank her and  presented her with a coffee voucher and treats from Springhill Farm, we also asked her a few questions about her role as a Midwife.

How long have you been working at Grampians Health Edenhope?

I started work at Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital 1988 as an agency midwife from Melbourne.   I have had breaks for massage training and maternity leave and have shared my  working life with other health services including Hamilton ,Goroke, Horsham, Naracoorte and Bordertown in order to learn and maintain skills .

What is your role?
My role at Grampians Health Edenhope is as a cancer resource nurse and midwife

What services do you provide to new and expecting mums?

As a midwife I provide post natal visits and can offer pre natal check ups and classes as needed for families, I have a role with the West Wimmera Shire Council as a perinatal emotional health practitioner and this compliments these services.  The emotional health role is also helpful in cancer support.

What do you love about your job? 

I love working with local families, providing them with health checks, information and support to help them parent.  I also love the fact that I work for 2 organisations which helps with contacts and liaising with other professionals when needed. I also love getting out to see new mothers and getting to see far flung parts of our shire, even if it means getting lost sometimes!

Name one experience that has stood out to you in your career?

There have been many memorable experiences, like getting called out for midwifery duties 3 nights in 1 week in the early days, and only having a bike to get to the hospital!

In the early days working at EDMH when we offered so many services as well as maternity such as chemotherapy, dialysis and theatre. The ambulance always made OPD very busy at times! I feel lucky to have had medical clinic experience to meet and be involved with so many varied and wonderful people and experiences.

The staff and patients are what have made my working life so enjoyable. I wanted to be a nurse from a very early age and I have not been disappointed.

What is the best piece of advice you have heard and/or given to new mums?

 Give lots of love ,hugs and cuddles to yourself as well as your baby ‘

Adrienne, we thank you for the amazing work that you do for the community.

You are a very kind-hearted person.  Your constant support for the community during a special time in their lives should be commended.

We are grateful that you are able to be there for the community throughout their maternal journey from pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Being an effective midwife takes a whole lot of special skills, knowledge and attitude to be able to look after the  needs of the community with a heart.

We encourage our community to join us thanking you  for the greatest gift of all, the delivery of happy and healthy babies and an amazing maternity journey.

Thank you for being the midwife for Edenhope and our local catchment areas!