Darwin local, Brydie welcomed both her children at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) in 2021 and 2024, supported by the Midwifery Group Practice team. Although her two births were different, the quality of care and support shown by staff remained consistent.
Here are some of Brydie's memories that made all the difference…
'Throughout both of my pregnancies, I never felt like 'just another patient'. I had a consistent team of supportive, friendly and highly skilled midwives, along with prompt access to senior obstetricians whenever needed.
I never felt like I was simply moving through a system. I felt known, heard and well supported.
From antenatal care through to labour, birth and postnatal care, everything was so well coordinated. Communication between teams like obstetrics, paediatrics, anaesthetics and lactation consultants was clear and efficient, and every medical professional was just so warm and caring.
My first birth resulted in an emergency caesarean. Throughout labour, my midwives and obstetricians were incredibly supportive and skilled.
When it became clear that I needed a caesarean, they spoke to me with compassion, guiding me through what was not the outcome I had hoped for. I felt that I was in the best hands.
In theatre, there was so much happening - a full room of different medical specialties. I was exhausted, overwhelmed and shaky.
I particularly remember the anaesthetist who was such a calm and steady presence. He seemed to sense exactly what I needed, talking me through each step so I always knew what was happening.
I will never forget the huge team of people who were there for me that day. They took what could have been a scary and disappointing experience and transformed it into something positive and deeply reassuring.
My second birth was a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean), so a very different outcome. I was definitely nervous, but as my due date approached, my team met with me regularly.
Each appointment helped me feel more informed, prepared and supported. I felt I had options, and that the team were right behind me, empowering me to make the best decisions on the day.
My midwife was there from start to finish, and she was incredible. Alongside her skill and compassion, she brought such a fun, relaxed energy into the room. It made all the difference.
I felt really known by my team - they understood that I needed a calm but positive atmosphere to keep my nerves in check.
The care on the maternity ward after both births was equally amazing. I actually didn't want to go home.
There's something so special about being surrounded by calm, competent, maternal energy in those first days after giving birth while you're navigating breastfeeding, pain, sleep deprivation and getting used to a whole new way of life.
They'd come and cuddle my baby every time I needed a shower, would take the baby for a couple of hours overnight so I could sleep, kept my water bottle full of iced water, brought me snacks and much more.
I honestly wish I could have taken those midwives home with me! The care at RDH felt so personal and of the highest quality - the kind of care that stays with you long after you leave.'
Brydie's experience with RDH's maternity services was so positive that it made her want to become a midwife. Brydie has now been accepted into Charles Darwin University's Bachelor of Midwifery.
