Caboolture’s Midwife Navigator supports more than 1,200 vulnerable women through pregnancy

Rachael Ramsay, Caboolture Hospital Midwife Navigator

For more than six years, Rachael Ramsay has played a vital role in supporting socially and vulnerable pregnant women at Caboolture Hospital, helping them navigate complex health and social systems to achieve the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Rachael is the Midwife Navigator at Caboolture Hospital — the only role of its kind within Metro North Health.

Since commencing in the position in September 2019, Rachael has supported 1,267 women through pregnancy, connecting them with essential services including mental health, social work, and community organisations.

“This role is about supporting mum and baby to achieve the best possible outcome,” Rachael said.

Referrals to the Midwife Navigator service are made through the antenatal clinic when women identify as having vulnerabilities, including mental health challenges or complex social circumstances. From there, Rachael works alongside each woman to provide personalised practical support.

“I meet women wherever they feel most comfortable, whether that’s in the antenatal clinic, at their home, or even just meeting for a coffee first,” she said.

With 32 years of experience as a midwife, Rachael brings extensive expertise to the role.

Prior to joining Caboolture Hospital, she spent 12 years at the Mater Hospital, supporting vulnerable women throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

“This is my calling; this area of midwifery is my mission field.”

Rachael describes pregnancy as a unique and limited window of opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a woman’s life.

“Pregnancy is such a small window of time, but it’s an incredibly powerful opportunity,” she said.

“It’s about getting the most support to women during that short period, when they are often more open to engaging with services that can help them long-term.”

The Midwife Navigator role allows Rachael to support any woman booked to give birth at Caboolture Hospital who meets the referral criteria, ensuring equitable access to care and continuity throughout pregnancy.

In addition to her local role, Rachael is also the statewide lead for Midwife Navigators, providing leadership and guidance across Queensland’s network of 15 Midwife Navigators.