Megan Nourse says being a midwife isn't a glamorous job but it's a privilege to be present when new life enters the world.
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She described the moment of watching a baby taking its first breath as being an enormous gift and a phenomenon which she will never tire of.
"Watching those moments where the family unit comes together for the first time, it's such an honour," she said.
Megan has been a trained midwife since 2012 and a birth worker for over 20 years.
Recently she opened Port Macquarie's first stand-alone midwifery clinic, called Birthsisters Family Hub.
The centre aims to help women make informed choices about what they want from their birth and provide a range of services not only before birth but also after the baby arrives.
It incorporates a range of different programs including homebirth services, private antenatal and postnatal care for women birthing in the hospital setting, a drop in postnatal clinic, comprehensive private childbirth education classes and parenting workshops.
Given there is a wealth of information available to women regarding birth and babies, Megan's advice is to ensure they are accessing information which is based on sound evidence and scientific research.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on pregnant women, new mums and healthcare workers.
Megan said she's seen a lot of pregnant women suffering from anxiety and depression and has been worried about the welfare of new mothers who have been forced to isolate.
She wants the centre to be open to all new mothers who need a safe place to go or somewhere where they can sit and have a chat to someone.
"If they are having a bad day they can always come here and we can link them to other services," Megan said.
"Connection with others is so important."
During the pandemic Megan found it difficult to gain access to medical supplies and protective equipment, when she was required to do home visits or births.
During birth Megan said the best way women can stay calm during the birth process is to ensure they have a birth team made up of people they trust.
She said it's important a person is willing to advocate for the woman to ensure the best outcome for the mother and the baby is followed through.
Megan would also like women who have had positive birth stories to be more open in sharing their experience with others.
For more information about the Birthsisters Family Hub, please visit www.birth-sisters.com/services
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