For more than thirty years, Sue McPherson has been beside women and their families bringing new life in to the world.
The Mackay HHS midwife and nurse practitioner commenced her career with the Royal Brisbane Hospital, known now as Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, in 1981 and has been with Mackay Base Hospital since 1989.
Ms McPherson says a woman’s birthing experience has always been at the forefront of her role and is proud of the advancements in midwifery.
“For many years options for birthing were limited, it was on the bed and that was it,” Ms McPherson said.
“Active birthing was introduced in the 90s and this was such an ‘ah yes, this is it’ moment, seeing the difference it made to a woman’s experience.
“It gave women the option to be more mobile during labour, partners became more involved and helped us as midwives to promote alternative birthing positions.”
The Mackay Birth Centre opened in 1994 where she began as one the first midwives, delivering hundreds of babies for 16 years.
Ms McPherson no longer attends births but conducts antenatal appointments for women throughout their pregnancy. She says the relationship midwives develop with women is crucial and ultimately makes a difference in their birthing experience.
“We need to have compassion, be open minded and non-judgemental towards pregnant women, and just in general, care immensely for the wellbeing of others.
“It’s hard to feel safe with a stranger and if women feel comfortable and safe, they will birth better. However, if we happen to meet them for the first time during labour, we’re still able to establish that trust to safely and calmly bring their baby in to the world.
She says saying goodbye to families after multiple babies can be quite emotional.
“Women always remember their midwife so it’s a lovely feeling when you bump in them and learn that her child is thriving, starting school or now in university.
“You tend to see women during two, three or even four pregnancies so when they family decide their family is complete, it can feel like end of an era and they tend to say ‘gosh this is it, we won’t be seeing you anymore’, which is ultimately a compliment.
“It’s great knowing you were there at the beginning of such a special time in their life.”
Mackay HHS will celebrate the contributions of midwives on Tuesday 5 May, International Day of the Midwife.
