Since completing medical school at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle in 2014, Dr Danielle Vlahov has worked in numerous hospitals across Perth covering many aspects of medicine. Dr Vlahov has a special interest in obstetrics, women’s sexual and reproductive health, paediatrics and mental health. She spent several years working in the obstetrics department at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Joondalup Hospital and Osborne Park Hospital. While at KEMH, Dr Vlahov completed her DRANZCOG and developed a special interest in antenatal care. She has completed a certificate in sexual and reproductive health and is qualified to insert and remove both Implanons and IUDs. From 2018 Dr Vlahov has been involved in pre conception counselling, antenatal, intrapartum and post-partum care through her work as a GP Obstetrician at Bentley Hospital.
Why do you do Obstetrics?
I chose obstetrics because it is a very different medical speciality where you not only get to be involved in the care of the mother throughout the pregnancy and beyond, but also the baby and in fact all family members! I feel privileged to be a part of something so happy and beautiful with each family I care for. It is a good mix of both medicine vs procedural skills which is something I find interesting and rewarding.
What is your birth philosophy?
I believe that each woman, no matter their background, has the right to the type of obstetric care that best suits her, which is why it is important to explain each step along the way in detail. I believe in listening to each woman’s concerns and questions and being supportive in their decisions, so we can both have the desired outcome of a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth.
What gives you joy?
Family is very important to me which is why being a part of a birth is so special. Seeing the look of complete joy on parents/support persons faces that first moment they view their new baby. There is nothing that compares to that moment. Being able to care for women and their babies from the start of their pregnancy, during labour and beyond with their new addition, is also very rewarding.