Mater midwives recognised this International Midwives Day

Being a midwife is not just a job for Gai-Maree Payne, it’s been her “love” for the past 10 years at Mater.

Gai-Maree is a midwife at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals and it’s her caring nature and passion for mothers and their babies that has led to her wining a Mater International Nurses and Midwives Day Award.

Today Gai-Maree and her colleagues will celebrate International Midwives Day and reflect on their profession which leaves a lasting impression on mothers and their families.

“I studied to be a midwife after being a nurse for 11 years.  I’ve always loved babies and it’s incredibly special to witness new families being made.

“I have the best job in the world and I leave each day so satisfied.

“As a midwife, I think the most important thing is to make sure each woman feels safe when they are in labour and provide them the best care, as though they are a family member,” she said.

Gai-Maree, who also works as a Case Manager in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department, received the Registered Midwife Award. 

“I was very surprised to have won the award and be recognised by my peers.  It’s reassuring to know I’m doing a good job,” she said.

Gai-Maree also acknowledged her colleagues in the process of caring for labouring women.

“To be a good midwife you have to work well in a team, as it’s a group effort whether I’m delivering a baby or assisting an obstetrician. I’m very lucky to work with two wonderful teams,” she said.

Mater celebrates International Midwives Day each year in recognition of our dedicated midwives, and the exceptional care they provide women and their families.

The theme of this year’s International Midwives Day is Women and Newborns: the heart of midwifery.

Mater midwife Helen Roach was also acknowledged as the recipient of the Clinical Midwife Award.