Caboolture midwife supporting women through life’s biggest moments

Caboolture Hospital midwife Alyce O’Leary

For registered midwife Alyce O’Leary, supporting women through pregnancy, birth and early motherhood is both a passion and a privilege.

Alyce has worked at Caboolture Hospital for the past 10 years after completing her midwifery training there, building her career close to the community she calls home in Narangba.

The connection to Caboolture Hospital is also personal, with Alyce giving birth to all three of her children there— her seven-year-old and five-year-old twin daughters—while being cared for by her own colleagues.

“I’ve had all my children here and was looked after by the people I work alongside every day, which makes it really special,” Alyce said.

Her decision to pursue nursing and midwifery was inspired by a family experience almost two decades ago.

“My sister experienced a pregnancy loss 19 years ago and being around that environment made me look towards nursing and midwifery,” Alyce said.

“I became fascinated by pregnancy, labour and birth and knew I wanted to support women through those moments.”

Over the course of her career, Alyce has helped deliver more than 200 babies and said witnessing families meet their baby for the first time never loses its magic.

“My favourite part is watching first-time parents become a family,” she said.

“I always look at the dad’s reaction too. That’s what really gets me going.”

Alyce is particularly passionate about postnatal care and maternal mental health, supporting women as they adjust to life as a new mother.

“Becoming a mother is such a huge transition and every woman’s journey is different,” she said.

“I’m passionate about supporting women through that adjustment and helping them feel cared for and confident in themselves.”