Cabrini Birth Suite Manager Rachel Box has welcomed a beautiful baby girl – just in time for Mother’s Day.

“When I saw my due date,” Rachel said. “I had no idea that it was around International Day of the Midwife, Mother’s Day and International Nurses Day – it was exciting. It’s always a fun time around the hospital when we get to celebrate our roles.”

On Friday 8 May – just three days after International Day of the Midwife and two days before Mother’s Day – Rachel found herself in an unusual role reversal on the other side of her Cabrini birth suite.

Surrounded by her midwifery team, Rachel and partner Miles welcomed baby Clementine just before 5:30 pm.

“It’s a very special gift, we’re very excited,” Rachel said. “It’s also a reminder of the incredible gift that we can give to women as well and the impact we can make on their lives as midwives.”

With her colleagues by her side, Rachel knew she was in safe hands – finding comfort in the familiar surroundings of her birth suite.

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Rachel said. “Being surrounded by some of my best friends and what feels like family. It’s just been incredibly special to share these moments with them.”

Already a mum of two boys, Rachel knows how difficult the journey can be – being both a mother and a midwife has given her unique insight into the women in her care and what they go through.

“You see things on a different scale. You do a lot of reflecting in terms of the care you give, and I think it certainly makes you more empathetic and understanding,” Rachel said.

“I’m a huge believer that you don’t have to be a mother to be a good midwife,” she said.  “It’s just allowed me to see things from a different lens and to sit with women when they go through a difficult situation or labour and understand what’s going on.”

That deeper understanding has shaped the way Rachel approaches every family’s experience in the birth suite.

“It’s really made me reflect on what this all means. We were incredibly lucky to have such a positive and wonderful experience,” Rachel said. “But I know that it’s not that for everyone.”

As Rachel and Miles get to know their daughter, new life continues to arrive every day at Cabrini. Little Clementine is one of 620 newborns welcomed so far this year – and certainly the team’s most anticipated.

On Sunday, Rachel and Miles spoke to Channel 10 News, celebrating a Mother’s Day they’re not likely to forget.

Read about Cabrini Maternity services