That past year has been like no other for frontline health professionals, including midwives, who came together on Wednesday in celebration of their very important role.
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To mark International Midwives Day, staff across the state hit the streets wearing purple - the profession's traditional colour - while spreading the theme "invest in midwives".
This included midwives from Launceston General Hospital, who took part in two walks - one early in the morning in the CBD, and again in the afternoon at Cataract Gorge.
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As Tasmania's Public Health services continue to navigate the pandemic, LGH nursing director women's and children's services Janette Tonks said acknowledging the contributions of midwives had never been more important.
"Investing in midwives means that we really need to let the community know the role of the midwife. We're not just someone who rocks up and delivers a baby," she said.
"It's a longer-term relationship that we try and develop to build up a rapport with the mother, and the family.
"To alleviate any anxiety and to advocate for the woman, so she is making informed decisions, so we can assist her through having the birth she desires to have."
This time last year LGH midwives were grappling with a baby boom, as the hospital's maternity unit took on cases from the entire north coast for ante-natal and post-natal care.
Ms Tonks said the efforts of the LGH midwife team had been tremendous during the unprecedented circumstances.
"The last 12 months has really thrown some challenges at us. We had to really think on our feet and work as a team," she said.
"I can only congratulate the midwives on the great teamwork they do, while still providing fantastic care for women.
"It's not the way we necessarily want to do our work, but obviously with COVID ... we're still under those Public Health restrictions.
"The team has been tremendous, doing what they're doing under really difficult circumstances."
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