The Midwifery Partnership
Most people have never had the chance to fully understand the impressive range of skills a midwife must possess. For the vast majority, pregnancy and birth will progress normally and many of the specialist skills a midwife must maintain are not visible. The role of your midwife is to monitor your pregnancy/birth and and respond to any deviations from normal; then to support your parenting and recovery in the weeks after baby is born.
You are likely to develop a close relationship with your midwife and will get to know each other well. Although it can feel very much like a friendship and should include a deep trust of one another, it is important to remember your midwife is your healthcare provider. As a midwife I often have a genuine affection for the women in my care (which makes my work extremely rewarding!), I also have an obligation to work within my scope and maintain a high level of professionalism.
A back up midwife is always assigned to care for my clients when I need time off for family emergencies, ill health, restorative sleep after births, study days/workshops and for my scheduled time off. See the bottom of this page for more information.
You are likely to develop a close relationship with your midwife and will get to know each other well. Although it can feel very much like a friendship and should include a deep trust of one another, it is important to remember your midwife is your healthcare provider. As a midwife I often have a genuine affection for the women in my care (which makes my work extremely rewarding!), I also have an obligation to work within my scope and maintain a high level of professionalism.
A back up midwife is always assigned to care for my clients when I need time off for family emergencies, ill health, restorative sleep after births, study days/workshops and for my scheduled time off. See the bottom of this page for more information.
In Pregnancy
Midwives order blood/urine tests and scans related to pregnancy care. We can prescribe medication for certain conditions related to pregnancy such as low iron, constipation, piles (haemorrhoids), urinary/genital tract infections and some STI's. We observe the growth of your baby and monitor you both for signs of on-going wellness or complications. We direct you to the information you need to ensure a safe pregnancy, supported birth, a robust recovery and a positive start to parenting.
You are responsible for engaging in the care provided by your midwife. This means reviewing information provided, attending appointments as scheduled and undertaking tests agreed to. (You have the right to decline any testing but this should be done in discussion with your midwife so she can ensure you have appropriate information and understanding).
It is important you know when to contact your midwife throughout pregnancy (for midwifery emergencies); when self care techniques/advice are more appropriate (provided in the "your care" section); and when you should be contacting another healthcare professional. Remember midwives are not doctors, we specialise in normal pregnancy. We do not and can not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
You should continue to see your GP for general medical concerns including
Midwives order blood/urine tests and scans related to pregnancy care. We can prescribe medication for certain conditions related to pregnancy such as low iron, constipation, piles (haemorrhoids), urinary/genital tract infections and some STI's. We observe the growth of your baby and monitor you both for signs of on-going wellness or complications. We direct you to the information you need to ensure a safe pregnancy, supported birth, a robust recovery and a positive start to parenting.
You are responsible for engaging in the care provided by your midwife. This means reviewing information provided, attending appointments as scheduled and undertaking tests agreed to. (You have the right to decline any testing but this should be done in discussion with your midwife so she can ensure you have appropriate information and understanding).
It is important you know when to contact your midwife throughout pregnancy (for midwifery emergencies); when self care techniques/advice are more appropriate (provided in the "your care" section); and when you should be contacting another healthcare professional. Remember midwives are not doctors, we specialise in normal pregnancy. We do not and can not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
You should continue to see your GP for general medical concerns including
- Low mood - pre-existing or new depression needs careful care (and sometimes medication) from your GP
- Migraines
- Vomitting and diarrhoea (loose bowel motions) including morning sickness which is not helped by self help measures
- Colds and flu (including care for COVID)
- Vaccinations
- Other pre-existing health conditions such as low thyroid, asthma or epilepsy
- Breast changes - these are common in pregnancy but please see your GP if you notice any abnormal growth or concerning lumps
- Any other health concern not specifically mentioned already
Seek urgent MEDICAL care if you have strong persistent abdominal pain (not labour), chest pain, palpitations, trouble breathing or if you experience trauma/illness you would normally get urgent medical care for (like following a car crash)
During labour and birth
Midwives are highly trained to anticipate, recognise and manage emergency situations that can arise during childbirth. Whilst maintaining a calm and supportive environment and attitude, we are on high alert for any indication of potential complications. We prescribe and/or manage and administer certain types of medications and pain relief; we involve other staff and specialists as needed to pre-empt emergencies as much as possible and maintain safety.
Monitoring and wellness in labour
Midwives are highly trained to anticipate, recognise and manage emergency situations that can arise during childbirth. Whilst maintaining a calm and supportive environment and attitude, we are on high alert for any indication of potential complications. We prescribe and/or manage and administer certain types of medications and pain relief; we involve other staff and specialists as needed to pre-empt emergencies as much as possible and maintain safety.
Monitoring and wellness in labour
- Mother – Blood pressure, temperature, pulse, vaginal exams, palpating contractions and baby. Sometimes you will need an IV line or blood tests. Your midwife will insert the line into your vein or take the bloods if needed. She is assessing constantly to keep you safe in labour.
- Baby – heartbeat, liquor, movements. In some situations continuous monitoring of the heart rate is advised, this is done with a CTG machine in hospital. Midwives need to understand and interpret CTG findings. Again your midwife is on constant alert about your baby’s wellbeing.
- Some of the things your midwife will be monitoring for during labour include
- Changes in blood pressure
- Excessive contractions
- Infrequent, inco-ordinate or ineffective contractions
- Signs of infection in you or baby
- Abnormal bleeding
- Fetal distress
- Problems with the placenta or cord
- Problems with the position of baby
- Delays in the progress of your labour
- Some of the things your midwife will be monitoring directly after birth include
- Delays in your baby establishing breathing
- Heart rate or heart function problems with your baby
- Delays in delivery of the placenta and/or membranes
- Excessive bleeding
- Signs of infection in you or your baby
- Blood pressure or heart rate abnormalities in you which could indicate further complications
After your baby is born
Your midwife continues to provide care to you and your baby from birth until your baby is 4-6 weeks old. She will visit you at home (and in hospital if you have birthed and stayed there). You can expect several visit within the first week and usually weekly visits from then. During this time your midwife is monitoring your recovery from the birth process, the growth and behaviour of your baby and guiding you to become confident and settled in your new role of parent to the new small human in your life.
Your midwife is assessing your blood loss, pelvic floor function, healing of stitches, signs of infections and signs of mental distress as well as your baby's weight, feeding patterns, output(nappies) and any signs of infection. She will also take your baby's blood for the routine screening test (with your consent). You will be encouraged to seek further care any time your midwife notices anything out of the ordinary.
You will need to be prepared to look after your baby once they arrive. Ensuring you have read the information you have been directed to, learning what to expect and the skills needed for newborn care. Breastfeeding workshops (offered by the hospital) are strongly encouraged. You can book here.
Your midwife continues to provide care to you and your baby from birth until your baby is 4-6 weeks old. She will visit you at home (and in hospital if you have birthed and stayed there). You can expect several visit within the first week and usually weekly visits from then. During this time your midwife is monitoring your recovery from the birth process, the growth and behaviour of your baby and guiding you to become confident and settled in your new role of parent to the new small human in your life.
Your midwife is assessing your blood loss, pelvic floor function, healing of stitches, signs of infections and signs of mental distress as well as your baby's weight, feeding patterns, output(nappies) and any signs of infection. She will also take your baby's blood for the routine screening test (with your consent). You will be encouraged to seek further care any time your midwife notices anything out of the ordinary.
You will need to be prepared to look after your baby once they arrive. Ensuring you have read the information you have been directed to, learning what to expect and the skills needed for newborn care. Breastfeeding workshops (offered by the hospital) are strongly encouraged. You can book here.
Back up Midwife and time off
My back up midwife is the wonderful Nikky Church. She has her own website if you would like to know more about her. Nikky and I cover each other for various reasons as noted above, providing all care to each others clients as they require. We have regular scheduled time off every fortnight from Friday 9am until Monday at 9am as well as alternate Mondays 9am to Tuesday 9am if we have been on call over the weekend. Please be mindful that we are both still managing our own full caseloads during this cover. We request that you only contact us for MIDWIFERY EMERGENCIES or ACTIVE LABOUR care during weekends. To learn what midwifery emergencies are and how to recognise active labour, select the "contacting your midwife" button below.