Geraldton Hospital supports local mum birthing twins

For Geraldton mum Amy Laslett, birthing twins Vinnie and Lenny close to home was a unique and wonderful experience, thanks to the team at Geraldton Regional Hospital.

While multiple births are usually rare, for WA Country Health Service clinicians, they’re even rarer due to higher risks involved in multiple births.

Amy said she understood there were increased risks involved leading up to the twins’ birth.

“I had always hoped to have the twins in Geraldton to be close to my other kids and my support system.

“But I knew there was a chance we would get transferred if any concerns or complications arose along the way, so I had a bag packed just in case,” Amy said. 

Amy’s outstanding clinical team included Obstetrician Gynaecologist Dr Sara Armitage, who was recently awarded Specialist of the Year at the Rural Health Excellence Awards.  

“Both Dr Sara Armitage and Dr Keith Figueiredo were very caring, thorough and honest about what a twin pregnancy can be like.

“It was a very challenging, new situation for me physically, emotionally and mentally with twins.

“I knew I could trust them to assist us through the journey and they kept Ben and I fully-informed with what was going on and what needed to happen throughout. 

“Their support, expertise and guidance was incredibly reassuring and made me feel like I had choices which I think is important for expectant mums.”

WA Country Health Service Coordinator of Midwifery Kate Reynolds said the Geraldton team was well-known for providing outstanding care to local families.

“Our local midwifery team in Geraldton are highly regarded and incredibly skilled, supporting around 450 mums to birth locally each year.”

“They’re passionate about providing continuity of care and they get to see how important that is – they’re not just caring for mums and bubs in hospital, they get to see them out in the community too,” Ms Reynolds added.

Amy said the family is adjusting well to the new additions.

“We have two girls already – Sunny who is four and Lottie who is two – and both are very proud, excited and loving big sisters, who are a great help,” Amy said.