Increasing access to antenatal and postnatal services in the Isaac Region

Central Queensland Rural Health’s traveling midwife Melanie Bishop provides outreach midwifery services to mothers and their babies before and after giving birth in communities across the Isaac Region.

Left: Melanie visiting Michelle and her newborn. Right: Melanie pictured with Casey, her two children, and another on the way

— Left: Melanie visiting Michelle and her newborn. Right: Melanie pictured with Casey, her two children, and another on the way.

Funding and support provided by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) enables Melanie to provide clients, such as Michelle and her newborn baby, with specialised and tailored care in their home in Clermont.

“The care and follow-up support provided with home visiting is an invaluable service for mothers, especially in those early days with a newborn,” said Melanie.

Her busy schedule includes providing midwifery care, advice, and support to mothers at their local GP, like Casey who has two children and has a third on the way.

“Outreach midwifery services in regional areas enable mothers to receive shared care with their regular GP in their hometown, ensuring both mother and baby receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“I am so grateful to all the women I care for and I feel so appreciated by them. It’s what makes all the travel easier!”

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