The first babies have been born at Castlemaine Health under the new Midwifery Group Practice model of care this week.
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The first bundle of joy arrived on Monday and the second baby was born on Friday morning.
Clinical and community programs executive director Dianne Senior said the new program had been well-received by expecting families, the hospital and the community.
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"The sentiment is that everyone involved is overwhelmingly happy with the new model," she said. "A lot of work has been put in setting up the model but what we're feeling is that the two women are feeling very supported and very excited.
Maternity services at Castlemaine Health became fully operational on May 3 after a nearly year-long suspension.
The revitalised service is midwifery-led care where women see the same midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenting.
The midwives are on-call and available 24 hours a day for labour and birth and to help women with urgent concerns. They work closely with a team of central Victorian general practitioner obstetricians and the regional health service Bendigo Health.
"It was a very intensive set-up where we worked closely with the existing midwives, GP obstetricians and Bendigo Health," Ms Senior said.
"The program is centred around the women and their family and is based very strongly on the feedback of community and existing staff.
Evidence shows it is very good for women to have the same midwife as it helps them feel secure
- Dianne Senior
"Women can self-refer to our service or can be referred through their GP.
"We've had quite a lot of referrals to the service and we work very closely with Bendigo Health in the allocation as we only do low-risk pregnancies."
On top of the existing midwives at Castlemaine Health, Ms Senior said addition experienced midwives had been employed to bolster the service.
The Midwifery Group Practice model of care will be evaluated after 12 months with the support of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.
Castlemaine Health chief executive Sue Race said the new babies was a significant moment for the service.
"Arrival of the first baby for the service is wonderful news and we send our heartfelt congratulations to the family," she said.
"News of the birth has spread quickly through the service and the community and has been greeted with much excitement.
"Our commitment to maintaining a locally based maternity service has never waivered. This is a significant moment for Castlemaine Health, for the community and for regional health services. We look forward to many more days like this in the future."
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