Our Services
"To provide a personalised maternity service working with women to plan, prepare and experience pregnancy and birth in a way that is real and relevant to them in their lives."
"To be available to women and families living in the community and to support each family unit to be fully prepared to welcome their new baby into a warm family environment."
"To provide a respectful service for women, that includes their families and the health care professionals who will provide a collaborative range of services to support the new family."
Antenatal Care
Antenatal care is the care provided from the time you fall pregnant until you give birth to your baby. You and your growing baby will be carefully monitored with gentle hands and supportive care, advice and referrals to enable you both to reach your potential during this exciting time. You will have every opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and celebrate each milestone achieved on the road to becoming a new parent.
Information
Preparation for birth starts with your very first appointment. Information will be provided to give you realistic expectations on what is achievable and how to prepare you body and mind for the birthing experience. Your chosen support person will be included in the education sessions. You will be provided with useful coping strategies and access to information that will assist you in navigating your way through the labour and birth.
Education
Antenatal education may be formal or informal. Every appointment will include education as you learn to navigate your way through your personal pregnancy experience. Formal classes are offered and will be run after hours so you and your chosen support person can attend together. A series of 4 classes are offered and bookings are required so that the class size allow participants to benefit from each session.
Baby Monitoring
Baby monitoring occurs from the time of conception until the time of birth. You are the best person to monitor your baby and we will always ask you first how your baby is doing. Your midwife will measure the growth of your belly at each appointment to ensure that baby is growing well. Listening to the heart rate at every appointment offers you the reassurance that baby is happy. Electronic monitoring may be indicated and that can be attended at the clinic if required.
Nutrition
You will receive information regarding your dietary requirements in pregnancy from the very first appointment. Foods to be avoided will be discussed and foods rich in nutrients like iron, calcium and vitamins will be encouraged. You will have regular pathology tests and the results will be monitored to ensure that you and baby are receiving enough nutrition to grow and flourish during the pregnancy. If necessary you will be receive additional dietary advice and may be asked to commence or increase nutritional supplements. An iron infusion may also be recommended in a late pregnancy.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the tools used during your pregnancy to monitor your baby's growth and development. Referrals will be arranged to ensure you have access to all the recommended screening scans. Your results will be fully explained and where referrals are indicated for specialist opinion these will be arranged for you. If additional ultrasound scans are indicated these will be explained to you. It is usual to have 3 ultrasound scans during your pregnancy.
Postnatal Care
Postnatal care starts from the time your baby is born. The first few hours or days might be in a hospital but you will be back at home very soon after the birth. Every parent has to spend the first few weeks helping their new baby adjust to life outside of the womb. It takes time to understand the language of babies. The feeding, crying and sleeping patterns take a while to establish and your midwife will be available to support you until you are confidently on your way with a settled, happy baby.
Breast Feeding
Breast feeding is a learned skill and babies need some training before they get it right. Positioning and attachment are challenging for some and a gentle hand is often welcome as you try and satisfy your hungry little baby. Fatigue and hormones can make those fist few weeks seem endless and a little reassurance is always welcome as you learn new coping strategies. Our midwives have plenty of experience and are happy to help and guide you.
Home Visits
Home visiting is offered to all women on discharge from hospital to help you settle in at home. Sometimes during those fist few weeks a little extra help and support is required. An unsettled baby or an exhausted mum might make attending clinic difficult. We are happy to schedule a home visit to help sort out newborn challenges and get you on the road to happy parenting.