Canterbury Hospital’s Midwifery Group Practice provides personalised care through pregnancy and beyond.
 

Ada Yap, who recently gave birth at Canterbury Hospital with support from the hospital’s Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), was so pleased with her experience that she’s eager to recommend the service to others.  

“It’s like having a partner to walk with you,” she says of the MGP midwife assigned to her. 

“It made me feel comfortable with the choices I made during my pregnancy.” 

Ada, who has a pre-existing thyroid condition, appreciated the way her midwife, Jayda Tham, helped her navigate pregnancy and the extra appointments she needed.  

“Jayda arranged all my appointments for the thyroid checks and took care of all my prenatal appointments,” she says. 

The Canterbury Hospital MGP enhances the journey through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with a uniquely personal approach. This small, dedicated team of midwives provides continuous, personalised care for women with low-risk pregnancies, creating a supportive environment that helps expectant parents feel connected and informed. 

At the heart of this approach is a familiar face—each woman in the Canterbury MGP is assigned a primary known midwife who oversees her care throughout pregnancy. Having a consistent caregiver fosters meaningful connections and provides a trusted space to ask questions and plan care around individual needs.  

Grace Valenti, Midwifery Unit Manager for Canterbury MGP, says, “By seeing the same faces, they feel more comfortable sharing their concerns and being actively involved in decisions about their pregnancy and birth.” 

Ada felt supported not only by her assigned midwife but by the whole Canterbury MGP team.  

“When my midwife couldn’t make it to an appointment, she handed over to one of the other midwives. 

“It was great to feel that I always had someone by my side,” she says.
 

Appointments with MGP midwives are flexible, often taking place in the comfort of a woman’s own home. The convenience of these home visits ensures that care fits seamlessly into everyday life.  

Grace highlights the importance of this feature. 

“We’re there not just for appointments but to walk alongside them.  

“This support is crucial in helping clients feel empowered and confident,” she says. 

This care doesn’t end at the hospital doors. After birth, women and their babies are supported at home by their midwife for up to two weeks. Postnatal visits help ensure a smooth transition to early parenthood, providing both reassurance and guidance. 

The Canterbury MGP team of midwives and the MGP model of care makes an impact on both the physical and emotional well-being of expectant parents. 

For more information about the MGP at Canterbury, visit Canterbury Hospital’s maternity website.