Local Birkdale couple Allicia and Michael Batterbee have welcomed their first baby at Redland Hospital where Allica works caring for patients in the Emergency Department (ED).
After four years as an ED nurse, Allicia swapped scrubs for a patient gown when she welcomed her baby girl Kaia with support of the Women's and Children's team.
Alicia said she was seen by Bayside Health Service Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) which meant she had the same midwife, Kayla, supporting her throughout her pregnancy and into those first weeks at home.
“Having that one midwife who knows you from start to finish has been really helpful,” Allicia said.
“I’ve been lucky, my baby Kaia is a great feeder on the breast so I’ve had a good journey.”
Dad also had a crash course in his new role after an emergency caesarean section meant Allicia needed some extra help during her recovery.
“The first week or two I was basically just looking after her while she looked after the baby,” he said.
His advice for other first-time dads is simple: “Don’t be afraid to get in and get your hands dirty with it.”
And while a Queensland Health photographer hovering around might frazzle some new mums, Allicia was completely unfazed.
Perhaps that comes from four years handling whatever comes through the doors of Redland Hospital’s ED.
World Breastfeeding Week runs from 1 to 7 August and is an opportunity to recognise the support that helps mums on their breastfeeding journey.
A big thank you to Redland Hospital’s midwives for supporting local mums and babies from pregnancy through to those important first weeks at home.