Dhelkaya Health has made history this month by welcoming the very first baby born via a planned caesarean through their midwifery group practice model. A second family welcomed their newborn at the Castlemaine hospital through a planned water birth, with both babies born on the same day.
Eloise and Peter welcomed their daughter Asta Nicole Batten into the world via planned caesarean on 16 April 2024. The family were supported by their known midwife Jane Corbet, who was also the primary midwife for Eloise throughout pregnancy, birth and into the postnatal period, including support at home. This special relationship illustrates the ‘continuity of care’ that families value so much.
Eloise and Peter said their birthing experience was “the happiest day of our lives made possible thanks to the brilliant team at Dhelkaya Health”.
New parent Tara Hartz and Grant Young, whose baby was born on 16 April through a water birth at the Castlemaine hospital, said: “Thank you for creating such a safe and welcoming environment for this naturally beautiful event in our lives. Grant and I see Dhelkaya Health Maternity Services as an extension of our family now and are thrilled with the loving and caring support we have received both prenatal and postnatal. It has been more than what I ever imagined”.
Giving birth in water has many proven benefits including increased comfort, reduced pain and increased satisfaction.
Adding planned caesareans and water births to the service expands the number of options available through the midwifery group practice model, which is supported by local General Practitioner Obstetricians and General Practitioner Paediatrics’, and other specialists who provide the skills and expertise to make this a possibility.
Maternity Unit Manager April Jardine says “In the past, anyone planning to give birth via elective caesarean or wanting a water birth could not access our midwifery group practice and would have to give birth elsewhere. By offering elective caesarean sections and water births we can now provide the same care close to home with a midwife that is known, in a place where parents feel safe and supported.”
The new birthing options mark an exciting change for staff and clients of this award-winning service. Ms Jardine said: “It means we can better support clients, who in turn have more flexibility to make choices in line with their needs and wishes.”
The Maternity Service has supported 41 families so far this year and the number is only set to grow. For more information about Dhelkaya Health’s Maternity Service visit dhelkayahealth.org.au/maternity.
