Hundreds of pregnant women in Queensland have been given the opportunity to get ongoing support from midwifery students.
The University of the Sunshine Coast has just extended a program that matches expectant mothers with their students.
More than 1,000 pregnant women have been involved with the university’s “connect” program since 2013 – with the idea that there are mutual benefits for students and pregnant women.
Third year student Amy Yates, who is due to finish her Bachelor of Midwifery this September, has cried at every birth she’s witnessed.
To earn her degree, the 25-year-old is required is to follow at least 10 women from early pregnancy to postnatal check-ups.
"We are required to go to four antenatal visits, their labour and birth - if the woman wishes - and two postnatal visits – including their six week check if we can," Ms Yates told Mamamia.
"For a lot of mine, I go to all the antenatal visits and more postnatal visits as well because you’ve built up this relationship with the woman and it’s quite good if you can go along and see what’s happening with their pregnancy and the outcome, so that you can better advocate for them."
Her studies involve more than sitting in the waiting room and reading magazines.
"We get to do the hands-on stuff ourselves so we are the ones conducting the appointment under the supervision of a midwife," she said.
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Yates says by the time she has followed a woman's progress into labour and birth, she has formed a trusting relationship.
"When they’ve got someone who’s been there since the start they are quite open with you and trusting and they trust what you’re telling them and you can empower then to be strong through their labour and birth," said Ms Yates.
The third-year student says in Queensland this new model of midwifery care is gaining traction.
Top Comments
This is also available in metro Victoria. Anyone doing the Bachelor or Midwifery degree through Monash University, Victoria University or the Australian Catholic University has to do 40 journeys (we called them 'Follow Through Journeys'). They take up a lot of time and effort on behalf of the student, but goodness me, if you have a student worth their salt they are worth their weight in gold for the woman.
It's a terrific program, great for everyone!
Is there anything like this in Melbourne?