Carolea was struggling to cope during her complex and challenging third pregnancy – until she was referred to Gladstone Hospital’s Midwife Navigator Service.
From her first meeting with Midwife Navigator Melissa Megaw, the Turkey Beach mum-of-three felt listened to and supported.
“I was 32 weeks pregnant and because I had two previous premature births and other risk factors, I was advised to stay in Rockhampton from 36 weeks,” Carolea said.
“I didn’t know where to start – I was stressing about leaving my partner and two boys, I had no family or friends nearby and needed help to organise accommodation and transport.
“I didn’t know about the navigator service until the midwives told me, but I’m just so grateful and want other pregnant women to know there’s help available if they need it.
“My previous two pregnancies were very tough… I could talk to Melissa about what I’d been through with no judgement. This time it felt like everyone was there to help me however they could.”
Carolea ended up needing to stay in Rockhampton from 34 weeks, with the Midwife Navigator Service able to help co-ordinate medical appointments, arrange transport, book accommodation and, most importantly, answer all of Carolea’s health and pregnancy questions.
“Whenever I wasn’t sure about something, Melissa was only a text or phone call away.”
Carolea gave birth to her gorgeous baby girl Emily-Rose at 37 weeks and continued to be supported by the Midwife Navigator Service for six weeks after her birth.
“There isn't anything I would change. I've had the most pleasant experience and I’m so grateful.”
Demand for Gladstone Hospital’s Midwife Navigator Service has been steadily growing over the past 18 months.
Clinical Midwife Maryanne Pentsa has just joined the team, enabling the service to expand to full-time (five days per week).