Susan and I are independent midwives providing a service to women in the South West of Australia who are considering a home birth.This ensures continuity of care for the woman during her pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. We work as a tandem practice, which means that we provide the care together. Both Susan and I work at the local Regional hospital, so this approach to your care is more easily delivered between us.
At the initial meeting we usually attend together, all subsequent antenatal visits we provide alternately, and some of your visits will be at our homes. These visits are to provide a full antenatal check and offer information to you relating to any aspect of labour, birth or parenting issues. If any problems arise during your pregnancy we are always in close consultation with your nominated GP so that we can access their advice and support. It is anticipated that you will attend your GP at 26, 36 & 41 weeks gestation to maintain your relationship with them.
At 36 weeks gestation we will deliver the birth kit to your home for your expectant birth. If you are considering a waterbirth we hire an inflatable pool for $50, this too can be brought on your 36 week visit.
During the labour, depending where you live, one of us will be in attendance and the other will attend for the birth. Occasionally if one of us is unavailable, we will source another midwife to provide a back up for the birth. If your labour requires medical review and transfer to hospital, we will transfer with you and either continue care or remain as a support for you.
Following the birth of your baby we will attend daily until day 3, if all is well we will have phone contact on day 4, then visit day 5 and day 10. We are always contactable by phone and will attend in person if the need arises.
