IT was the birth of a new era when Billy Brierley was born at 8.19am on Friday, October 17.
Billy, who tipped the scales at 3820g, was the first baby delivered under Redland Hospital’s new private midwife program.
The program, called Private Practice Eligible Midwife, gives soon-to-be mums the choice of having a private midwife as their primary carer for ante-natal appointments, during birth and after their baby is born.
Previously women only had the choice of private obstetrics or public maternity during pregnancy.
Billy’s mum, Danielle Brierley, loved the support she got from private midwife Deborah MacGillivray, one of two private practice midwives with Metro South Health.
Mrs Brierley said the program meant she could visit the same carer before her son’s birth.
“The continuity of care has allowed me to build up a relationship with Deb throughout my pregnancy and receive ongoing support.”
Patients under the program can book in to give birth at Redland Hospital at any time during their pregnancy, while still remaining under the primary care of the private eligible midwife.
