Buderim Private Hospital will celebrate ‘International Day of the Midwife’ and the contribution of midwives on Tuesday 5 May.
The day is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world to honour midwives for their contribution towards the health of their nations and to raise awareness about the status of midwives and the essential care they provide to mothers and their newborns.
Midwives at the hospital first helped birth a baby in September 1987 – more than 30 years and 15,000 births later, they continue to play an integral role in supporting and caring for local families during one of the most important times of their life.
Karen Clark, General Manager of Buderim Private Hospital, said the hospital’s maternity service forms an integral part of the Sunshine Coast community thanks to the tireless work of midwives who work closely with specialist obstetricians to deliver care.
“This year’s celebration is extra special given the recent challenges we have faced as a global community and because the World Health Organisation has deemed 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife,” Mrs Clark said.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to our amazing team of midwives who work so hard to support families – from antenatal classes, to the birth and establishing breastfeeding, our midwives are there every step of the way providing expert information, encouraging words and reassuring advice,” she said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the many thousands of Buderim babies we have helped bring into this world – we watch in wonder as they grow up and go to school, contribute to the communities where they live and even come back to have their very own babies here.”
Ali McKill has been a midwife for over 20 years and has been managing the hospital’s maternity unit since 2019.
“We have more than 50 midwives here at the hospital and I can wholeheartedly say that each and every single one considers it a great privilege to help care for our mothers, babies and their families,” Ms McKill said.
Buderim Private Hospital’s maternity service features three birthing suites, a special care nursery, and 20 private rooms, each with a queen bed and ensuite. Expectant parents can learn more about the service and find an experienced obstetrician by visiting buderimprivatehospital.com.au/maternity