Janine O'Brien, Endorsed Midwife

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My name is Janine O'Brien. I'm a mother to two beautiful young women, daughter and wife. My life as a midwife is practising as a sole midwife with the Soul Midwives to provide a true continuity of woman-centred care to women and their families in Sydney, surrounding suburbs, Central & South coast as needed.

Fundamentally my view and belief of Midwifery is to be 'with women', to be with women in their multifaceted journeys through a time that can be one of the most life changing events in a woman's life.

As the World Health Organisation states, midwives are the most appropriate health care provider for women during normal pregnancy and birth. It is my belief that this encompasses and is influenced by the physical, mental, spiritual and sexual aspect of the women. Forming relationships with women and their families and providing a continuity of care model enables trust, communication, respect, education, support and care; it is due to these continual relationships that all of these attributes are embodied.

In this relationship there is a sharing of knowledge so the woman with her family can make informed decisions about her and her baby's ongoing care and options. When a woman's needs exceed my scope of practice, it is my responsibility to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, making the appropriate referrals so the woman is able to receive the appropriate care, which in turn optimises her experience and facilitates safety for her and her baby.

Birth is not just the outcome that I believe in. I believe in wellness in our minds, bodies, homes and in our communities and when women are involved and responsible for their pregnancies, births and their parenting there is a significant sense of self worth, pride, accomplishment and well being that is attached. This in turn affects her relationships within her home, with family and friends having a ripple effect.....