delivering woman-centred care

Jo Hunter is a finalist in the 2019 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards. She is a privately practicing midwife in Springwood, NSW

Jo is recognised for her work as a private practicing midwife, providing woman-centred care that’s focused on their individual and unique needs, expectations, and aspirations.

She is an advocate for raising awareness in hospitals and communities about the importance of women-centred, relationship-based, continuity of midwifery care. Jo works tirelessly to promote and break down barriers for private midwives working in the field and runs a face-to-face and online support group for midwives in her local area.

Jo is also co-creating a documentary titled ‘Birth Time’. This is currently in the editing stage of production and when finished aims to raise awareness of women’s experiences of birth and assist all women to have the tools to emerge from their births physically well and emotionally safe.

The documentary will also shine a light on the benefits of birthing on country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, as well as highlighting the importance of recruiting and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the profession of midwifery.

Jo’s midwifery practice recognises that women have the right to bodily autonomy, the right to informed content and the right of refusal. She works across the full scope of midwifery practice and her care encompasses the needs of the mother, her baby, her family, and the community. 

Watch the awards online. Tune into Facebook live from 6.30pm AEST Friday 9 May 2019.