The PMOC offers postnatal maternal and infant health assessments, interdisciplinary health care referrals, education, care and support for women from the time they are discharged from hospital through to six weeks post birth.

The clinic was established with funding from the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) Research and Quality Improvement Grant scheme, to provide more effective postnatal care services and to better meet the needs of local women. It is a collaborative initiative between the MNCLHD and the University of Newcastle and is staffed by a registered midwife and midwifery students.

The clinic is a drop-in style service (with no appointment necessary) and runs once a week for four hours. Since it opened in September last year, the clinic has provided support to more than 100 women and 110 infants. 

MNCLHD Registered Midwife Julie Vegter, who coordinates the PMOC clinic, said the clinic provided an important service for new parents in the local community.

“The clinic is a great service that allows new parents to access the support they need during the sometimes difficult and emotional postnatal period,” said Ms Vegter.

MNCLHD Midwifery Unit Manager Sandra Eadie said the clinic also provided an important opportunity for midwifery students to enhance and build on their education and gain valuable placement hours.

“The students who complete part of their placement in the PMOC are able to learn valuable skills in how to effectively support women, babies and families during the postnatal period, as well as how to recognise situations where additional services or referral to other health professionals may be required,” Ms Eadie said.