Families celebrate first year of Bacchus Marsh MGP

Building trust through continuity of care 

The model pairs women and birthing people with a small team of dedicated midwives who support them throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the early weeks of parenting. 

Midwife Jasmine Avramoska said the first 12 months of the program have been about connection, care and unforgettable moments.

‘We’re able to get to know each family personally, understand their needs, preferences, and concerns, which allows us to provide care that is truly individualised and consistent,’ she said.  

Last week, midwives and new families gathered to celebrate one year of this service being available to the community in and around Bacchus Marsh. 

A full-circle moment for families and staff

Jasmine was able to catch up with new parent Hannah Dunn at the event. Jasmine was Hannah’s midwife throughout her pregnancy with her eight week old daughter Kayleigh.

Support through pregnancy and beyond

Kayleigh was born on 17 March, her dad’s birthday, weighing 3.1kg. She was in a hurry to arrive, born just 10 minutes after Hannah arrived at the hospital. 

‘Jasmine reassured me at every step of the way and ensured that every question I had was answered and a plan put in place for any concerns that I had going into both labour and postpartum,’ Hannah said.  

After complications during her first labour and birth, Hannah experienced Post Partum Anxiety which resulted in a stay in the mother and baby unit and subsequent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She questioned whether she would go on to have more children.

‘It was so important for someone to truly understand my history and be able to make decisions and accommodations accordingly. Jasmine did just that and more. I never felt like a number and my appointments never felt rushed. I was able to feel educated and empowered to make decisions regarding my pregnancy,’ Hannah said.

‘I truly believed that if I had been a part of this program with my first, I would not have been through the trauma that I did.’ 

Care during the most important moments 

While Hannah’s labour with Kayleigh was so quick Jasmine didn’t make the birth, the support she gave following was invaluable.

‘She was there to guide me for the next two weeks in the hardest moments. I think if I did not have her support, that things may not have gone as well as the have this pregnancy and postpartum.

‘I can only hope this program grows so that every woman gets a chance to experience the program if they wish,’ Hannah said. 

A growing service for the West

At Bacchus Marsh, eight midwives make up the team providing care to women in the outer west. These midwives are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week throughout pregnancy and are there for the birth. The midwives then visit the mother and baby at home for up to two weeks.

‘The MGP program gives us the time and space to get to know families, advocate for them, and guide them through informed choices,’ Jasmine said. 

‘Each family’s journey is unique, and being present for those pivotal moments is incredibly fulfilling. The relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference are what make this role so rewarding.

‘One of the biggest highlights has been seeing the program come to life and grow over the first year. There’s nothing quite like seeing a family you supported during pregnancy return with their baby months later. It’s a full-circle moment that really reinforces why continuity of care matters.’

Western Health has one of the largest MGP Services in Victoria. The MGP at Bacchus Marsh will be caring for 30 percent of all births at Bacchus Marsh Hospital by mid-2026.