Ingham’s birthing service celebrates a decade of deliveries

The Ingham Health Service has marked a major milestone as nurses, midwives, doctors, and local mums came together this week to celebrate 10 years of providing birthing services to the community.

Locals were given the chance to reflect on the service, which has helped to deliver 490 babies since it reopened in Ingham a decade ago.

Ingham mum Jessica Gilmour used the service for the birth of her second child and said the event was a great opportunity to reconnect with the team that supported her through the birth of her children.

“I went through the birth centre for Ayla, my middle child, and I have to say I had the best birthing experience here in Ingham,” Ms Gilmour said.

"The midwives were so caring and nurturing; it felt like home.

“And even though I had to give birth in Townsville for my oldest and youngest, the Ingham midwives supported me all the way through with all my children.

“Having that continuous, one-on-one care locally takes away a lot of stress."

Midwife Kierra Faulkner said the 10-year anniversary represented a major milestone for regional healthcare.

"It's amazing to see this service thriving and keeping women close to care at home," Ms Faulkner said.

"We offer everything from water births to epidurals and caesarean sections, and parents don't need a GP referral to come chat with us.

“Nearly one baby a week has been born at the service since it reopened its doors 10 years ago.

“It is an incredible achievement and something we are all very proud of.”

Medical superintendent Dr Carmel Cockburn said the event was also about acknowledging the incredible amount of passion and teamwork needed for a service like this to operate.

"Sustaining a rural birthing service takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, and commitment from a very dedicated core group of staff," Dr Cockburn said.

"Rural birthing services are truly some of the best places to have babies.

“Managing multiple births back-to-back with a small, cohesive team is where the real magic happens.

“In 2026, women deserve appropriate, local healthcare, and it’s a privilege to see our community thrive.”