Celebrating unique midwifery service

Today is International Midwives Day and the midwives at Belmont Birthing Service are celebrating their success in providing safe, personalised midwifery care to women in the Hunter region.

Since its launch in July 2005, Belmont Birthing Service has cared for more than 600 women and their babies. 

Midwife Elise Campbell has worked with the service since it opened and she said her philosophy of midwifery was what led her there.

“Belmont Birthing Service was one of the first of its kind in Australia, so when I heard it was being established I talked to a colleague about whether I should apply for a position,” Elise said.

“She told me to think about my philosophy of midwifery, and what I would want if I was having a baby, and that would lead me to the right decision.

“When I thought about those things, I knew it was right for me and I’ve been here ever since!”

Elise said she believes birthing is a co-journey between the woman, her family and the midwife, and during the course of the experience the midwife provides ‘street signs’ so the woman can choose which path she wants to take.

“Birthing is quite a sacred experience and it’s very important we don’t take that away from women – our role is to guide and support them to birth their own baby,” Elise said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a service where women feel safe in birthing in the company of midwives they know and trust.”

Belmont Birthing Service Midwifery Manager Carolyn Hastie said midwives’ work is very important and Elise is setting an excellent example for her peers.

“Elise is a young midwife working at the frontier of contemporary practice and providing a role model for other young midwives who want to work in this kind of service,” Ms Hastie said.

Ms Hastie said she is very proud of her team and the success of the service.

“Our midwives are highly skilled and credentialed we’re all passionate about supporting women in their birth choices,” Ms Hastie said.

“International Midwives Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and promote the profession of midwifery and the unique one-to-one, woman-centred midwifery service we provide at Belmont Birthing Service.”

Contact: Gemma Smith

Phone: 4921 4501