Did you know we have a team of midwives working up on our Butterfly (NICU) Ward? We sat down with one of them, Gabby McLeish, to find out more about midwifery at the RCH.

Tell us what a Midwife on the Butterfly Ward involves at the RCH?

We care for up to four mums admitted as patients in the New Mothers’ Unit here at RCH. We can also visit mums at their child’s bedside across the whole hospital for a postnatal check-up, including wound dressings, suture removals, and discussions about continence, family planning, emotional health and breastfeeding issues.

Is being a midwife at RCH different to other midwifery roles? 

There are many similarities in the postnatal care but an important difference is that these Mums have sick babies, they are  often so worried for their baby that they put their own health last. It’s great that they can still get their own health care needs met, whilst remaining close to their baby.

What qualities to you think you need to be a midwife?

A warm heart, a sense of humour, and a big bladder!

What made you want to become a midwife?

I was inspired by own mum who was a midwife and I love working with women and families.

What’s the training, and ongoing training, involved with being a midwife?

You can become a midwife with a postgraduate or bachelor degree but I believe the real learning happens at work. Every family I work with teaches me something new. Midwives may choose to specialise in certain areas too, I have also undertaken postgraduate studies in sexual health, and am working towards becoming a lactation consultant too.

Could you put a number on how many babies you’ve had in your care over your career?

Oh gosh- I doubt it!! It would have to be thousands!

What’s the best part about being a midwife?

Watching families transform.

What’s the hardest part about being a midwife?

When families don’t get to take their new baby home. 🙁

What’s some of the positive feedback you’ve received from parents during your time at RCH?

Parents love being able to stay close to their baby- it’s so important for bonding and breastfeeding.

Our service also means mums get the healthcare and support they need post birth otherwise many say they would have just “put up” with potentially serious post birth complications.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?

My husband reckons I’ve got a pretty good singing voice! I love cooking and have recently become interested in fermented foods like water kefir….!

What is the one thing in this world you are most proud of?

My gorgeous little family.  Professionally, I am proud of the care I give as I believe we make a difference.

How long have you been at RCH, and how many years have you been a midwife?

I have been a midwife for 13 years, and at RCH for nearly two years

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?

A magic wand!