Faces of Peninsula Health – Q&A with Jo Bacher

Q: Briefly explain your role as a midwife here at Peninsula Health?

A: I am a CMS (Clinical Midwifery Specialist), Registered Nurse, Endorsed Midwife, and an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant). I have worked in all areas of the maternity service, and I currently work two nights a week on the Women’s Health Unit as a CMS and one day a week as an IBCLC.

Q: How long have you worked as a midwife at Peninsula Health?

A: This July marks 20 years at Peninsula Health.

Q: What drew you to midwifery? Was it something you always wanted to pursue as a career?

A: As a 15-year-old work experience student in 1984, I had the privilege of witnessing a labor and birth in a private maternity hospital. This incredible experience began my journey to become a midwife. I commenced my registered nurse training in 1988 and my midwifery training in 2000 at King George in Sydney and have never looked back.

Q: What does your day look like, and what tasks do you do throughout your shift?

A: No two nights ever look the same on the Women’s Health Unit. Whether I work in the Pregnancy Assessment Unit, Inpatients, or Birth Suite, the shift always begins with an in-depth clinical handover then moves straight to providing care to laboring women and their newborn babies.

On Wednesdays, my role as an IBCLC has me providing support and education to women and midwives, often with a student by my side. I offer breastfeeding in-services to midwives every Wednesday afternoon so that they can better support and educate our breastfeeding women and their babies.

Q: What about midwifery do you find most rewarding, and what are you passionate about?

A: Midwifery is rewarding in so many aspects. To witness a mother bring her child into the world is an experience that cannot be put into words. Women are powerful in their birthing capacity, and it is always a privilege to support them through this process.

I am extremely passionate about educating and empowering women to be the best they can be when birthing and commencing their breastfeeding journey.

Q: What challenges do you look forward to in this role?

A: Birth can be a challenging time for many women. Being able to support them in this space and advocate for them during this time is the most rewarding aspect of my role as a midwife.

Breastfeeding can also be a challenging time for many women, and as an IBCLC, I get the opportunity to spend time with new mothers and their babies, providing support and encouragement as they begin their breastfeeding journey.

Q: Would you recommend Peninsula Health as a place to work?

A: I work with an incredible team of midwives, doctors, as well as a team of allied health workers. We not only support thousands of women on their birthing and early parenting journeys, but we also support each other every shift.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: I love spending time with my teenage kids and our Groodles, who enjoy a good run in the park or walk on the beach. I also love spending time with friends and family who always fill my cup.

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