When North West content creator and teacher Lola discovered she was pregnant while traveling through Portugal, she had one burning question: “Should I have my baby in Mount Isa?”
Luckily, an old friend, and former Mount Isa midwife, was just a phone call away and didn’t hesitate to recommend the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), connecting Lola with Midwife Jasmine, a decision she now says shaped one of the most positive healthcare experiences of her life.
Now, six weeks on from giving birth, Lola is taking a moment to reflect on the journey from that positive pregnancy test in Portugal to becoming a mum in a rural Queensland town.
“I knew absolutely nothing about pregnancy,” Lola laughed.
“Having one person as a point of contact who I could text if I was unsure about anything at any stage of my pregnancy was just amazing.”
Unlike many traditional maternity models where women may see different clinicians throughout their pregnancy, MGP provides continuity of care, supporting women with the same midwife from the start through birth and into the postnatal period.
For Lola, that consistency made the difference.
“My friends in Brisbane would see someone different every appointment, but Jas already knew what we’d be talked about, what I was worried about and what I needed to hear. I never had to start from scratch.”
The support extended beyond routine appointments.
Throughout her pregnancy, Lola experienced some unexpected bumps in the road that required prompt treatment. Rather than navigating multiple appointments and providers, her midwife helped coordinate care quickly, ensuring she received the treatment she needed while keeping both mum and bub safe.
Later in her pregnancy, when her baby decided breech was the preferred position, Jasmine guided Lola through her options, talking through every decision without pressure.
“My birth plan changed, but I never felt like I was facing those decisions alone.”
That same support became even more valuable after her daughter was born.
While she’d expected the physical recovery that comes with becoming a new mum, she hadn’t anticipated the waves of postpartum anxiety.
“When things changed after birth and I was feeling those really big emotions, having someone I already knew made all the difference. I didn’t feel afraid to ask for help.
“I even used to text Jas late at night with, ‘Please don’t reply on your day off, I just need to send this text before I forget!’”
For midwife Jasmine, that’s exactly what the MGP is designed to achieve.
“Our goal is to build relationships with women throughout their pregnancy so they know exactly who to turn to when they need support,” Jasmine said
"Whether it's answering questions about pregnancy, helping navigate unexpected changes, supporting partners, or checking in after birth, continuity of care helps women feel informed, confident and supported throughout their journey."
And this support extends beyond expectant mums.
“Partners are encouraged to attend appointments and antenatal classes too. We want them to feel informed and confident because they’re such an important part of the journey.
“If they’re worried about Mum or bub, we want them to know they can reach out. Pregnancy and those first few weeks aren’t something that families have to navigate alone; it takes a village.”
Looking back, Lola says she wouldn't hesitate to make the same decision again.
"My partner and I regularly talk about it. We would absolutely consider staying out here to have our next child purely because of the experience we've had."
"I didn't feel for a second like I was getting second-rate care because we live remotely. Whether it was MGP, the maternity ward, the paediatric team and everyone involved, I just couldn't fault the care we received."
She hopes sharing her story encourages other North West women to explore the services available close to home.
"I couldn't recommend it more. We have a really great maternity team out here, and I think people should know that. You don't have to leave the North West to receive incredible care."
For Lola, it was more than the clinical care that stood out, it was having a midwife who knew her, listened to her and was only ever a text away when questions inevitably popped up.
It's a relationship that highlights the unique role midwives play, walking alongside women through one of life's biggest milestones.