Midwives choose to have babies ‘at work’

This Mother’s Day will be a special day for two new mums who happen to be midwives at Redcliffe Hospital – the place they welcomed their sons into the world.

Moreton Daily chatted with Macy Enever and Jennifer-Anne Odendaal, who have both worked at Redcliffe Hospital for about four years, about why they chose to have their babies at ‘work’.

Baby Harvey is Macy’s first child and she says she felt reassured trusting her care with the kind and passionate midwives she works alongside with.

“The hospital is familiar, it’s warm and welcoming,” she says.

“I’ve had so many amazing births with other women, so I wanted that for myself and I got that.

“First and foremost, the midwives are just incredible. They go above and beyond for each and every woman that they care for … the doctors as well. I feel like it’s a really safe environment. I trust everyone I work with and I trust them with my care.”

Macy says having a baby at Redcliffe Hospital would change the way she practices midwifery.

“Having a baby has changed my perspective about caring for other women so much. Just knowing what they go through … you couldn’t understand unless you’ve had a baby. I (will) have more empathy for what they go through,” she explains.

“It’s such a challenging journey and no-one could have prepared me for being a mum. I think going through it myself has really opened my eyes to see how tough it really is.”

Baby Lachlan is Jennifer-Anne’s third child, but the first born at Redcliffe Hospital.

Her other children were born at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, but she has since moved and Redcliffe Hospital is closer to home.

Jennifer-Anne says she had pregnancy complications which meant she was at the hospital frequently.

“Also, I have gotten to know the staff here and I felt having people I knew around me would be better for my experience and kind of make me feel more at home,” she explains.

“I was admitted quite a few times to hospital, so familiar faces and people I trusted with such complex care made a big difference to me.”

Jennifer-Anne says everything went relatively smoothly with Lachlan’s birth.

“I had a very quick delivery, which was unexpected, but having the right support there made the unexpected quick birth more comforting … I was in good hands,” she says.

“Having the right people around me, making me feel safe, really helped.

“I’ve found that staff will make you feel heard and take your choices into account.”

Jennifer-Anne says having her baby at Redcliffe Hospital will undoubtedly change how she practices midwifery.

“I’ve always tried to provide holistic care but I think, having gone through different things this time, I’ve realised how much we can support in different areas other than just clinical,” she says.