Pregnancy

Labour and birth

• What are your beliefs about pregnancy and birth?
• Are you a member of the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM)? This is important as NZCOM has clearly defined standards to guide excellence in midwifery practice and not all midwives are members.
• How many women do you book per month? This may have an impact on the midwife’s availability to you if she has a large caseload; 4-6 women per month is considered a full-time caseload.
• Do you work alone or in a group with other midwives? This enables discussion around who would be available to you if your midwife is sick or is having scheduled time off.
• When and how often would I have the opportunity to meet your back-up/colleague during my pregnancy? Do they share your beliefs about pregnancy and birth?
• If I require consultation with an obstetrician or other specialist, what are my options?
• Where do you provide my antenatal care and how many appointments might I expect?

• What birthing options do you offer, e.g. home birth, birthing units, Christchurch Women’s Hospital? Do you have access to all the hospitals/birthing units in Christchurch?
• Do you come to my home when I am in labour?
• Do you have birthing equipment, should I decide to birth at home? What equipment do you carry?
• If I need specialist care during my labour, how will that be arranged? Do you then stay involved during the labour and birth and afterwards?
• Under what circumstances would my care be handed over to the hospital staff, if at all?
• If I need an epidural or an induction, are you able to continue providing care? What is your role in these decisions?
• If my labour is long, who will relieve you when you get tired or need a break?
• What would you recommend, should my pregnancy exceed my due date?

After the birth

About midwives

• How often do you visit after the birth? It is a legal requirement that women are visited by their midwife postnatally for a minimum of 7 visits with at least 5 at your home. Care is provided for up to 4-6 weeks following the birth.
• Between visits are you available to me for advice by phone?
• Do you work with, or refer to, other health professionals or support groups, e.g. La Leche League, Lactation Consultant, Plunket, GP?

Midwives are specialists in pregnancy and birth. They complete a four-year equivalent Bachelor of Midwifery degree to gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to provide safe and professional midwifery care.
Midwives practise in different settings. They work in the community and provide birth care at home, in birthing units and in hospitals. Midwives provide free maternity care to eligible women in New Zealand and over 78% of women today have a midwife as their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC).
Midwives work with women throughout the entire childbirth experience, from early pregnancy to 4-6 weeks after the baby is born.

Services provided by a midwife include:

• Preconceptual advice
• Free pregnancy testing
• Antenatal care and assessments throughout your pregnancy, with visits at home or at the midwife’s clinic. This includes arranging any necessary blood tests or investigative procedures.
• Consultation with an obstetrician or other specialist if complications arise at any time during pregnancy, labour and birth, or the weeks that follow
• Information and education on a one-to-one basis and
  for groups
• Time for questions and planning to meet your and your family’s needs

• Support and professional care throughout labour and birth at home or in hospital
• Support, advice and professional care for 4-6 weeks after your baby is born
• Support, advice and assistance with breastfeeding and caring for your baby
• Discharge from midwifery care at 4-6 weeks and referral to the Plunket Nurse, iwi provider, GP or other Well Child provider. These practitioners can provide support and assist with ongoing care, such as immunisation and Well Child checks.