A new Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) was officially opened last week at the Mossman Hospital in great news for mothers-to-be in the region.

While birthing at Mossman Hospital is still not available since it was closed in 2004, the announcement of two full-time midwives at the hospital is a relief for many.

Douglas Shire Councillor and Deputy Mayor Abigail Noli was on hand to officially open the MGP, which coincided with the International Day of the Midwife.

“Women choosing MGP for their care have a named midwife to support them and coordinate their care throughout pregnancy, birth, and in the first weeks after their baby is born,” said Angie Swift, Clinical Midwife Consultant at Mossman Hospital.

“The midwives work as a team, so there is always someone on call 24 hours a day for advice and to attend births. The women get to meet all the midwives during their pregnancy.”

All birthing is at Cairns Hospital, with a group practice midwife there to care for new mums.

When labour starts for future mums in the Douglas Shire, they can call their midwife who will meet them at Cairns Hospital.

“Knowing your midwife gives you confidence and supports your choices for pregnancy and birth,” Swift said.

“You are more likely to have a normal birth, have a positive birth experience, and breastfeed successfully. Your baby is more likely to be born healthy and at term.”