The Cheeky Monkey 3D Ultrasound Story
My name is Cath and I have been a medical sonographer, specialising in obstetric ultrasound for over 20 years. Every conception, pregnancy and delivery journey is different. Society’s expectations of quick conceptions, uncomplicated pregnancies and straight forward deliveries being the norm is, in reality, the minority of experiences. I have had the privilege of sharing every varied journey imaginable with women of the Illawarra and South Coast. What we do and how we do it can heavily influence a woman’s emotional experience and alter their future from that moment onwards.
I have had my own challenges… My first delivery was under general anaesthetic. My father passed away suddenly during my third pregnancy. These experiences changed me. Seeing one’s baby can have a powerful impact on one’s mental health. It is an honour and privilege to be able to provide reassurance and be part of one of the biggest journeys in a woman’s life.
My Path to Obstetric Ultrasound in the Illawarra
The human form has always fascinated me. After the HSC, I graduated with a degree in Human Movement (now known as Exercise Science). I then embarked on a second degree, this time in Medical Radiation Science. It wasn’t long before ultrasound captured my interest.
I was accepted into the training program at St George Hospital. This required completing a two year Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, which I achieved during my first pregnancy. My experience in the public hospital system has covered many types of scanning. By this point I was living in Wollongong and commuting. A local obstetrician was recommended to me for my pregnancy and by means of me being referred to South Coast Ultrasound for Women, I ended up working for them after my first child was born.
With an established interest in the human form, embryology and obstetrics was right up my alley. Obstetrics is a unique form of ultrasound to perform. It’s not just “looking at the baby”. When you attend an ultrasound of your kidneys, for example, you are not expecting the sonographer to discuss the scan at the time. However, obstetrics is unique in that it takes experience and skill. Imagine having a scan of your baby and not being shown or reassured that everything with the baby is ok before walking out the door. Societal expectations often glaze over the true reality of women’s journeys into motherhood.
"It is a privilege to be able to offer instant reassurance for a pregnant woman during a medical ultrasound. The 3D scanning adds another layer to this. It brings the baby ‘to life’ or ‘makes it real’ so to speak."
Why is a 3D Ultrasound Scan different to a Diagnostic Scan?
During a diagnostic scan, time is given to the well being of the baby. Yes, some ultrasound practices have the capabilities to perform 3D scans, however, it is not the focus of the scan. In the past, people have had to either travel to Sydney to have a dedicated 3D scan or have someone come into their home with a portable machine, most of which do not have the same capabilities of a stand alone machine. I am still doing medical ultrasounds with South Coast Ultrasound. The Cheeky Monkey Studio is the perfect place for women of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands area to get a 3D ultrasound.
"Obstetric ultrasound is my passion and supporting the mental health of pregnant women by facilitating the bond between mother and child is an added privilege."
The Illawarra's leading specialised 3D Ultrasound studio
My goal in creating the Illawarra’s premier designated 3D Ultrasound studio is to provide a personalised, family-friendly approach to pregnancy scans using cutting edge equipment to obtain the highest quality images. Conveniently located in Shellharbour Village, the Cheeky Monkey studio is in a quiet, private setting and is set up to include family, friends and children to attend your scan. I’ve had the joy of scanning hundreds of pregnant women from the Illawarra area over the past two decades, even having some of those first babies I scanned return as pregnant women themselves.
Ready to meet your baby?
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful image of your bub, or a an exciting way to find out your baby’s gender – we are here for you!