Your Midwife Team: Supporting your Wellbeing

Personalised midwifery support through pregnancy, birth and the transition home.

Pregnancy brings many physical, emotional and practical changes. At Mater Maternity, we believe caring for your wellbeing is just as important as preparing you for your baby’s birth.

Our Midwives are here to help you feel informed, prepared and supported. You might have questions about your care, want to discuss your birth preferences or need help navigating addition support services. Whatever it is, we’re here to listen and guide you. 

As part of your care at Mater, you're invited to attend an appointment at our complimentary midwife clinic. Your booking and wellbeing appointment is planned from around 24–26 weeks of pregnancy, with the option of additional appointments later in pregnancy.

These appointments complement the antenatal care you receive from your obstetric

First Appointment: Booking and Wellbeing

24–26 weeks' pregnancy | 45 minutes

This appointment usually takes place after your 20-week morphology scan. It is an opportunity for us to get to know you, review your pregnancy and medical history, and help you prepare for your birth and stay at the Mater.

An important part of this appointment is taking time to talk about your emotional wellbeing, including how you're feeling and adjusting to pregnancy. We recognise that pregnancy can bring a range of emotions and challenges, and these conversations help us understand how best to support you.

During your appointment your midwife will:

• Review your pregnancy, medical and birth history.
• Discuss your birth preferences and answer your questions.
• Check in on your emotional wellbeing and how you're adjusting to pregnancy, including a routine emotional wellbeing questionnaire.
• Identify any extra support or referrals that may help.
• Begin planning for your birth, hospital stay and first weeks at home.
  
  

Every pregnancy is different, and these appointments are tailored to your individual needs.

Second Appointment: Follow-up and Wellbeing (optional)

32 - 35 Weeks | 30 Minutes

You can book a follow up appointment if you’d like another chance to talk with a midwife. Sometimes we will recommend this at your first appointment.

During your appointment, your midwife will:

• Revisit your birth plans and help you prepare for your admission.
• Answer any new questions or concerns.
• Check in on your emotional wellbeing.
• Talk through the transition to parenthood.
• Plan for going home and any ongoing support you may need.

Supporting your Emotional Wellbeing

Becoming a parent is one of life's biggest transitions, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions along the way.

Our midwives have specialist training in talking about emotional wellbeing and in recognising when extra support may be helpful. 

We are proud to partner with Gidget Foundation Australia, connecting families with specialist perinatal mental health support it’s needed.

Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.  Free professional psychological support services are available for pregnant women and new parents suffering anxiety and depression.

Pregnancy brings joys along with challenges. Gidget Foundation Australia and the Mater Hospital recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing for new parents and the need to provide them with support and services.

Previously known as postnatal depression, perinatal anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood (the perinatal period) affects almost 100,000 Australians each year. We welcome all parents who need access to specialised perinatal mental health care.

To find out more information about Gidget Foundation Australia or to access their online resources, please visit www.gidgetfoundation.org.au.

Book your Appointment 

Both appointments are complimentary for everyone booked to give birth at Mater Maternity. You can attend them in person or by telephone.

We encourage booking early so you can choose a time that suits you. Your first (booking and wellbeing) appointment is recommended between 24–26 weeks of pregnancy, with the option to book a second appointment later in pregnancy.

First appointment – Booking & Wellbeing 24–26 weeks | 45 minutes

[BUTTON: Book your first appointment]

Second appointment – Follow-up & Wellbeing (optional) Later in pregnancy | 30 minutes

[BUTTON: Book your follow-up appointment