Emma Cooper, Executive Support Officer to Director of Nursing and Midwifery

Before starting at Caboolture Hospital, I worked in Private Practice Law as an Executive Assistant/Legal Secretary.

When I commenced with Caboolture in 2020, I started as an Administration
Officer in Specialist Outpatients.

A few months later I had the opportunity to backfill as Support Officer to the Facility Services Director and then backfilled supporting the Executive Director, before being permanently appointed to my current role.

Around that same time, my husband, Sam, and I were keen to start a family and we went through three IVF transfers before I fell pregnant.

It was a really difficult time for us and in the hard times I wish I could have known that one day I would be sitting holding my daughter, writing and sharing a story about our pregnancy and birth journey.

My care was through the Caboolture Hospital Midwifery Group Practice, Midwives and Me, which meant I had a dedicated Midwife, Robyn, pictured with me above.

Robyn saw me for every appointment, was available for advice whenever we needed it and was also on call for our birth – Robyn was pinned at the top of my phone messages on speed dial!

I was able to text her with any crazy symptoms or questions I had. Robyn always listened and made me feel at ease, there was never anything too silly to ask.

As a first-time mum and after a rollercoaster journey to fall pregnant, the one-on-one support and care from Robyn was exactly what I needed.

When it came time to choose where to birth, there was never any hesitation or thought to go anywhere but here at Caboolture Hospital.

I had heard lots of positive stories through friends who had their babies here, plus working here and knowing the staff and having the privilege of knowing what to expect in the process, made the decision easy.

I was so confident that myself and our little girl, Lyla, were in the best hands.

I remember my husband being blown away after my labour and birth. I lost count how many times he thanked our staff and told them how much overwhelming respect he had for women, midwives, nurses and medical teams.

I laugh about this moment now but postpartum I was lucky not to experience “baby blues.”

I was smiling ear to ear until Robyn did our last home visit.

Robyn said, “well, this is my last visit today…” and when we went to hug goodbye I burst into tears.

I was so sad and emotional and it really is the ultimate reflection of just how precious Robyn’s care
to me, Lyla and our new little family was.

It is often said Caboolture Hospital is a big family and my journey felt just like that.

Have you got a story to share? Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.