Delivering care beyond the call

Jo Perry’s deep commitment to supporting new mothers and families goes far beyond her role as a Nurse Midwife at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne. 

‘There are beautiful days and there are hard days, but the reward you get from helping someone on one of the most important days of their lives is magical,’ said Jo. 

Everyone’s ideal birthing experience looks different, and Jo takes her role as an advocate for her patients seriously. 'I’d been a registered nurse for five years and my heart led me to midwifery. You need to be compassionate, but also able to push back and advocate for women.’  

‘For new mothers, it can be so overwhelming. The one piece of advice I give is to do what works for you.' 

The St Vincent’s Nursing Scholarship, proudly sponsored by Bank First, has enabled Jo's studies to be a Lactation Consultant. 'A lot of women find breastfeeding incredibly difficult and there’s a lot of pressure on them. I want to help women in those vulnerable times.' 

'Families do a lot of preparation for birth, which is fabulous, but your birth won’t go as long as breastfeeding will. I encourage families to educate themselves before having their baby and I want to be with them on that journey.’