Frequently Asked Questions
I had my baby through the public system, can I still see a private midwife?
Yes! You don't need private health or a private obstetrician to access private midwifery visits, in fact, you don't even need a GP referral. Midwifery care is for everyone.
The hospital where I had my baby provides 1-2 home visits, can I still see a private midwife?
Yes! You can use private midwifery visits in addition to your complimentary hospital visits. Just make sure you let me know you're seeing another midwife so we can space our visits out and make it the most worthwhile for everyone. (For example, planning your private visits in between your complimentary visits).
This is a great option for families who need a little extra time, TLC or support where 1 or 2 visits aren't going to be enough, or for those who enjoy weekly check ins at home for the first 6 weeks.
How many home visits do you recommend?
This is totally up to you! Everyone has a different postnatal experience. As a starter, I would generally recommend 2. 1 visit in the first 7 to 10 days after birth and a follow up visit.
This allows us to catch any issues early, including feeding difficulties, and create a plan together. At that stage, we can book a follow up as clinically indicated.
Some may need two visits in the same week and then no more unless they're worried.
For others, they enjoy weekly or fortnightly visits from the same midwife checking in, weighing and measuring and reassuring everyone that they're doing a good job. (Spoiler alert - of course you are!).
What do you do at a postnatal home visit?
Each visit and each family will have different needs and different visits, however for every Mum and Baby we follow a basic postnatal visit plan. This includes:
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A history taking about you and your delivery.
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A history about your baby so far.
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A full wellbeing check for Mum including mental health, blood pressure, breast and nipple care (if you're breastfeeding), wound or perineum checks, and answering any health concerns you might have.
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A full neonatal check including weight, head and length measurements, heart and lung checks, hip checks and feeding assessments, including breastfeeding or bottle feeding history and making sure everyone is happy.
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Documenting in your baby's well child health record book.
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Making referrals for Mum or Baby as needed
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Writing prescriptions for Mum or Baby as needed
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Discussion and prescription of birth control if needed.