We Love Midwives
In celebration of International Midwives Day, we talked to a remarkable midwife and her patient.
Meet Carina.
She is one of the brilliant midwives at Blacktown Hospital and supported our clients, Carmen & Matt, through the birth of their daughter, Ayla.
Why do you love being a midwife?
I love working with women and their families and seeing them grow into strong and confident mothers. I love seeing them feel empowered and believe in themselves and that they deserve a good birth experience even when everything doesn't go to plan!
What do you wish more people knew about midwifery?
I wish people knew that EVERY woman needs a midwife, low risk and high risk. I wish people knew that we aren't just hippys singing around a birth pool, we are here to educate women and support them in their birthing and feeding choices.
Why do you think midwives should be celebrated?
Midwifery is such a vital profession and I think a lot of people have a lack of understanding about what a midwife is and what they can do for women. Also to give a pat on the back to all the hard working midwives around the world because often you feel stuck in the system and wondering if what you are doing is actually making a difference in people's lives.
Tell us about this birth (pictured) and why it was special for you?
Carmen's birth was very special to me and she will always hold a special place in my heart. In the few months before her birth I had been struggling with the demands of being an on call midwife after a few very tough cases. I had been questioning if I could continue working on call or even stay in midwifery all together, working in the system can really push you as rules and policies don't always align with your own midwifery values and beliefs. Carmen and Matt were so beautiful together and so strong and it really restored my faith that women can have beautiful physiological birth. It was a wonderful birth to be a part of, you could really feel the love and support around Carmen and I feel that was a big reason she had such a great birth. It was a timely reminder that I can make a difference in women's lives and make them feel supported and respected.
What Carmen said about Carina.
She definitely wasn’t the grumpy stereotype I had envisioned but rather young and trendy and just all-together lovely. She listened and answered every question and unknown with grace and a peace that confidently assured me that no matter what happened in this pregnancy and birth, we had it! My midwife and more so my friend!
Every little detail my heart desired for a healthy pregnancy and a smooth labour was so kindly met (thank You God) with the love and understanding from the world’s finest midwife.
Thank you Carina Costello – you and thousands of others the world over deserve to be celebrated today and everyday!
“Birth matters, and I believe the way a child is brought into the world has an important impact on the rest of life. Helping with that transition is an honour.”
— Anjili Aurora Hinman
