An Ayr-mazing Mother's Day to remember

This weekend marked an extra special Mother’s Day for five Ayr Health Service nurses who welcomed new babies within just eight weeks of each other, with one more due to arrive any day.

Ayr Health Service acting nurse unit manager Ainsley Ferrando said it was an exciting time for the whole service.

“We titled the photo of all the new mums ‘growing our own’ with hopes that we may have just welcomed the next generation of doctors, nurses, or midwives to the Burdekin region,” Ms Ferrando said.

Ainsley said some of the mums delivered with the support of close colleagues including senior medical officer Dr Donna Girgenti, who recently became a second-time parent herself.

“We also got to see our very first registered nurse, who is now a student midwife, Cher Vernon support and assist in the births of two of the babies so far,” Ms Ferrando said.

“Cher has been a registered nurse for 14 years and has worked incredibly hard to achieve her dream of becoming a midwife.

“This is the very first year the Ayr Health Service has taken on a registered nurse student midwife, and it is extra special that some of Cher’s first experiences are with her own colleagues and friends.”

Ainsley said times like these were heartwarming, and a reminder of the strong sense of care, connection, and community that defines the health services midwifery and nursing teams.

“We are truly celebrating motherhood in all its forms now more than ever,” Ms Ferrando said.

“The team excel at supporting incredible mothers within the Burdekin region through their pregnancy and birthing journey, even our very own staff.”