This latest milestone forms part of the larger body of work being undertaken which aims to “re-establish a safe and appropriate maternity service in Milton”.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District midwifery co-director maternity and women’s health Melissa Cooke said that under the new model, three midwives will provide services to local families at the hospital. 

“It’s fantastic that we’re now able to provide antenatal and postnatal services, seven days a week, to local women and families,” she said. 

“Not only does this mean the community is able to access these services closer to home, it will also allow families to become familiar with the midwives working in the local area who will be providing antenatal clinic appointments and home visits.” 

Under the Level 1 Model, an Obstetrician will continue to visit Milton each Wednesday morning for clinic appointments to assist in providing care to women of the local area. At this stage women will continue to birth at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and have the option to transfer to Milton hospital after the birth. 

Midwives, Melissa Waterton, Leanne Whitehouse and Christine Duff will provide the seven day midwifery service, looking after mums and their babies before and after they give birth. 

“The midwives will be developing antenatal education classes for women and partners to provide knowledge, support and education for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting,” Ms Cooke said.

It is recommended that women attend their first visit at 12-14 weeks pregnant, where a comprehensive medical history is undertaken and pregnancy information and education discussed.

The booking in visit at Milton Ulladulla Hospital will automatically book women into Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital for delivery. 

The Antenatal Clinic is located on the ground floor of the hospital.

To contact the midwives please call 4454 9116.