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Empowering women on their journey from pregnancy to parenthood is the aim of a new program delivered by Albury Wodonga Health’s maternity unit. 

The Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) enables women to be cared for by the same midwives throughout their pregnancy, and for up to 10 days after birth, offering improved continuity of care. 

Midwife Unit Manager Anna van Uden said the exciting new program was delivering positive outcomes for mothers and babies alike. 

‘Our midwives are now able to deliver seamless, personalised care to expectant mothers and provide follow-up in the family’s home for up to 10 days after birth,’ Ms van Uden said. 

‘Expectant women are paired with a midwife who manages the majority of their antenatal care. 

‘Our team of MAPS midwives is available from Monday to Sunday. The allocated midwives can be reached on a dedicated phone number between 8:30am and 5pm on weekdays for scheduling clinics and postnatal visits, as well as for any other care-related queries. During the weekend, home visits continue and may be provided by one member of the MAPS team. 

‘Our team works with expectant mothers to support their preferences during pregnancy and the postnatal journey to home,’ she said. 

Pregnant women can expect individualised care that focuses on their specific needs including pregnancy advice and information, birth plans, supplements and food safety, exercise, breast-feeding, postnatal care, and any other concerns. 

During the 10 days after birth, midwives provide in-home support focused on feeding, early milestones, infant health checks, and recovery after birth. 

‘By establishing a trusting relationship with their midwife, expectant mothers feel more comfortable asking questions and seeking the support they need,’ Ms van Uden said. 

‘Mothers can tell their story once and know that their midwife will follow-up on their questions and advocate for them as needed. 

‘The response from new mothers has been overwhelmingly positive. They feel more supported, more at ease and more confident. For repeat parents, the service has been a revelation – they can’t believe the difference!’ 

One of the most encouraging outcomes of the introduction of MAPS has been an increase in the number of expectant mothers from lower socio-economic backgrounds accessing antenatal and postnatal care. Flexibility around appointments and access to a trusted, familiar face is encouraging more women to make use of the service and seek out the support they need at no cost. 

Research has also shown that improved continuity of care reduces rates of premature birth and complications around birth. 

'Our team of MAPS midwives is rostered from Monday through to Sunday to be available for expectant mothers when needed. In the background, our team is supported by a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birthing care, as well as allied health staff as required,’ Ms van Uden said. 

‘From the midwife’s point of view, MAPS is a fantastic opportunity allowing them to deliver the best of care to their patients and make a real difference on a daily basis.’ 

The Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) is modelled on a similar service developed in the Sutherland Shire. Albury Wodonga Health is the first healthcare provider to launch the service in Victoria. 

This program is just one of many ways Albury Wodonga Health is committed to enhancing maternity care, ensuring that every woman and their family receives the support, care, and respect they deserve on her journey to parenthood.