Gosford Private Hospital
Gosford Private Hospital
Finding your Postnatal power
Gosford Private Hospital’ s new Maternity Manager, Robyn Gasparotto, shares her thoughts on the important first days and weeks after birth.
During pregnancy, large amounts of energy and thought go into planning for the birth. As new mums we plan to the endth detail – the oils we will burn, the smiles that will surround us, our breathing, what type of birth we would like, and how we will announce the treasured outcome of our‘ birth’ day. Then the fun begins...
Finding our innate postnatal power is as important a journey and rite of passage as any that we will encompass in our lifetime. The early days of the postnatal period can swing our emotions from ecstasy and bliss, to fear and doubt of how we will best care for the newest addition to our family.
The first week of life encompasses emotional highs and lows, as parents learn to adjust to the needs and demands of their newborn baby. With a respected wisdom, our Midwives at Gosford Private knowingly answer the call of new parents, marvelling at the transition of babies into the world and the‘ birth’ of new mothers and fathers. It is truly an honour for us, as Midwives, to stand with new parents, to support them, and encourage them to learn the communication strategies of their babies, including feeding, sleep and how to provide comfort and connection during those short wakeful periods.
The first postnatal week can fill parents with pride and joy, and just as easily in the wee hours of the night, force parents into a sense of uncertainty and doubt. Midwives, as the name suggests, are pivotal in their role of being‘ with woman’, and their timely presence in the postnatal period ensures women and families are able to confidently and courageously embark on these new challenges.
At Gosford Private, the role of the Midwife is to provide gentle support, help new parents make informed choices, and nurture them as mothers and fathers as they transition into the role of parents. The
art and science of Midwifery ensures that we are able to‘ stand by’ as needed and‘ stand in’ when asked. The reassurance of having an expert Midwife at the end of a call bell during that first week, promotes a positive, trusting and professional relationship.
Culturally, many women in Australia are driven by time constraints and the need to achieve, accomplish and proceed. Babies however, often have alternative plans. In other cultures, the postnatal period includes lying in, or a baby moon where women are focussed on relaxation and revitalisation. Extended family are often employed to meet the needs of the new parents during this time. Certainly there is much to be learned from treasuring the first postnatal week, embracing the opportunity to heal, to grow and to become strong. Regardless of how we approach our first postnatal week, one thing is certain, Midwives not only support women to find their innate power to love themselves but their ability to learn and connect with their babies.
At Gosford Private, our Midwives are honoured to care for women throughout the first postnatal week. This first week enables women to establish feeding, rest and recover and celebrate each day with
confidence, knowledge and joy. We see a midwife’ s role as being paramount to promoting a positive postnatal experience for women and families, and together we celebrate the birth of families who leave our postnatal wards to embark on their next adventure with confidence and knowledge.
Learn more about Gosford Private Maternity Services and the support programs available, at www. gosfordprivate. com. au
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