Barwon Health announces post-birth service

A NEW service available at Barwon Health’s Early Parenting Centre (EPC) is improving support for parents post-birth and providing knowledge to new parents.

The post-birth debrief service at the midwife-led clinic has been established to offer appointments to parents giving them an opportunity to understand and discuss their experience.

Parents are also able to see a senior obstetrician and/or psychologist as part of the new service.

Lara resident and mother of two Madison Papas applauded the new service following her second pregnancy with child Goldie, who was born in May.

“Goldie was admitted to the Special Care Nursery at University Hospital Geelong, which was an extra layer on an already difficult time, so my initial debrief in the hospital was more focused on her health,” Ms Papas said.

“After speaking to a maternal health nurse and counsellor, I learned the Barwon Early Parenting Centre was offering a new debrief service and I was able to spend two hours talking to a midwife about my experience.

“It was above and beyond what I expected – our appointment was so thorough, as we went through my medical notes in detail that was easy to understand. It was like talking to a friend in the way it provided a sounding board to validate how I was feeling.

“It’s helped a lot in my healing and I can see how it could be the difference between parents deciding whether or not they want to have more children.”

The debrief service recognises parents who require support recovering from a difficult labour and birth.

The service can be critical to regaining a birth giver’s confidence as they potentially navigate their next pregnancy.

Clinic midwife Serena Pellizzeri said there was a range of counselling support available.

“The post-natal period can be a challenging time, particularly when a labour and birth doesn’t go to plan.

“Parents are often adjusting to caring for their newborn baby while still physically recovering from labour, so there isn’t always an opportunity to fully recognise, process and address any issues that arose during the birth.”

For more information, head to barwonhealth.org.au/maternity-services/baby-mother-care/birth-debrief-service