Maternity concierge finds 'different path'

Alisha Pereira had always dreamed of delivering babies – but life has handed her a different chance to help mothers give birth.

After 16 years working as a practice manager in various medical fields, she is enjoying her new role as the maternity concierge at Melbourne's Epworth Freemasons hospital.

"I always wanted to be a midwife and I did some nursing training, but didn't finish. My life took a different path," she said.

"That's what makes this role even more lovely. I get to experience the pregnancy journey with families without the clinical side. I get to chat with mums and cuddle babies."

In some cases, Ms Pereira is now helping mums she had met in her previous role atan obstetrics, gynaecology and IVF practiceat the Epworth HealthCare hospital over the past four years.

"I recently saw one of the mums on the ward with her newly-born little boy," she said.

"I had met her when she was undergoing IVF, then saw her throughout her pregnancy. It was so special to see the whole journey play out."

As a mother of four, she can also draw on her own experiences to help women navigate their maternity care.

"I have given birth in both a public and private setting, so I understand the differences between both options and understand the nerves of being a new parent," Ms Pereira said.

"Every baby is different too. I never would have thought I'd end up in sleep school with my fourth child. I'd never been before but had to go twice with that one!"

As maternity concierge, she is available to answer any questions from families expecting a baby and practice managers with queries.

"I am the first port of call and get lots of questions around our facilities or for tours. If I don't have the answer, I'll be able to direct them to someone who does," she said.

"A good day at work for me is where I have made a difference or made parents feel comfortable or more relaxed. No matter what number baby someone is having, it's always daunting so I'm here to answer all questions."

Read more: Making pregnancy safer for women

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