Aims:

We aim to provide you with continuity of care so that you get to know a small team of midwives and doctors and are able to feel really comfortable with those staff members who are going to provide your care during labour and birth. You are free to choose a doctor of your choice who has qualifications in obstetric care. There is a team of 6 community midwives who you will meet over the duration of your pregnancy. One or more of these known midwives will then provide care to you when you are in labour and following the birth of your baby. They will also visit you at home following discharge to assist with the transition into parenthood.

General Information:

From the moment of conception to the time your child is an independent adult there are many ‘experts' who will advise you on the ‘right' way to care for your child. The decision and responsibilities of pregnancy and birth are just the first of many that you will take on during the years of parenthood.

No one cares more about your baby than you - the parents. Because you care the most, you have the greatest stake in the numerous decisions made regarding the birth of your baby. Whilst some women are happy to let their doctors and midwives make decisions for them, most want to be involved in the decision-making process. Unless you are prepared to hand the management of your baby's birth over to your carers then you commit yourself to taking some responsibility for the process and outcome.

Many parents find the idea of planning their births overwhelming at first, not having realised how much choice they have. Most parents already possess enough information to make some choices. They have knowledge about themselves and what philosophy of care most appeals to them.

Birth experiences often have a profound and lasting effect on women, even those who do not expect it would matter to them. The time spent in the planning and preparation for the birth of your baby is well invested. It is best to make some of the decisions either before the pregnancy commences or in the very early stages of the pregnancy and then gradually continue the planning throughout. It is very difficult to make important decisions when you come into hospital in established labour. This has the potential of complicating and adding unnecessary stress to a very special experience.

How do I know what choices I have?

Caregivers and hospitals vary in their views and practices and it is wise to consider your particular requirements early in the pregnancy. Here are some ideas on how to go about achieving your goals:

Improving your own knowledge:

Find out as much as you possibly can about birth. Speak to family and friends, read widely (books, brochures and magazines) and attend childbirth classes. The opportunity to consult with health professionals such as G.P's, Obstetricians and Gynaecologists or midwives allows you to discuss your needs. Community Health Centres and hospitals in your local region usually have a full range of the services available.

Assessing the suitability of your lifestyle:

The responsibility of preparing for pregnancy and birth is a shared one. Lifestyle needs to be considered because a baby's health depends to a large extent on the diet and lifestyle of its parents at contraception. Whether you and your partner smoke, drink alcohol, consume drugs and how well you eat are of paramount importance. When considering conceiving, reading widely and consulting with your local G.P or midwife will assist you and your partner in providing a healthy start to your baby's life. If you discover you are already pregnant it is not too late to make changes to your lifestyle for the benefit of your baby!

Selecting a place of birth:

This may be your local hospital or alternatively you may choose to travel to a hospital which you feel will meet your needs appropriately. Tour the hospital and the Maternity Unit, speak to the midwives and seek out the practices of the Unit. Do you think that you will be comfortable birthing in this environment?

Choosing a caregiver:

Pregnancy is a special time for a woman and her partner and you have a right to expect the best care possible. Your choice of midwife or doctor may be limited depending on where you live.

Some questions to ask yourself when choosing a caregiver include:

• Are you comfortable talking with your midwife or doctor?

• Are your questions answered in a manner that you are able to understand?

• Do you feel your midwife or doctor treats you with respect and will listen to you?

• Does he/she involve you in any decisions which need to be made and give you choice regarding

• these decisions?

• Will you doctor be available when you need him/her i.e.; on weekends?

• Is a fee charged and is it one you are able to afford?

eds are not being met, you do have the option of changing your caregiver during the course of your pregnancy. This decision may be made at any stage however if it is done early in the pregnancy it allows you more time to establish a relationship with your new carer.

Your Birth Plan

Both before and during your pregnancy much planning and communication occurs. One way to ensure the rights and responsibilities of all concerned will be met, is to negotiate a birth plan. A birth plan provides you with guidelines of how you hope your birth will be conducted given ideal circumstances. A joint effort between you and your partner in the preparation of your birth plan needs to be considered.

Most hospitals have their own birth plan that you are able to use. Alternatively you may have one that is more suitable to your needs or you may decide to write your own. A flexible birth plan is the best one and it is important to attempt to use language that reflects an attitude of cooperation on your part. Your flexibility is essential to the successful negotiation with caregivers regarding your plan.

Commence writing your birth plan early and have it completed at least a few weeks prior to the birth. Your birth plan should reflect your attitudes and philosophy towards birth. Actually writing your own plan encourages you to identify your preferences for your birth. Discuss issues of your birth plan with your midwife or doctor and with your chosen hospital. You may decide to visit the hospital late in your pregnancy to discuss your birth plan and any issues of concern that you may have. It must be remembered that hospital policies may limit some options you have considered.

In order that the preparation for your birth is a collaborative process it is necessary that you communicate all relevant information to your midwife and doctor so they are able to assist you with your decisions and choices. It is vitally important that your midwife, doctor, partner, support person and hospital are all happy and accepting of the contents of your birth plan. If this is not the case, then you may need to make some important decisions, e.g. a change of caregiver, hospital or even your own attitude may be required.

Your Rights & Responsibilities

The rights and responsibilities that you and your partner have regarding the pregnancy and birth of your baby can not be underestimated. The responsibility is not limited to yourself but extends to your partner, your baby and your caregivers. This is one of the most special and important experiences in your life. Therefore it is important to take the time to enable you to make the correct choices for you, your partner and ultimately your baby.

Midwives Clinic

Our aim is to provide a support service for women throughout their pregnancy, birth, post natal and breastfeeding experiences.

We as midwives are part of a team which consists of:

• Doctors

• Women's Health Nurse

• Maternal & Child Health Nurse

What we have to offer information on:

• Issues throughout pregnancy

• Antenatal Classes

• Booking in for hospital

• Birth

• Breastfeeding

• Early post natal days

Information and support through the Midwives Clinic is held each Tuesday and Friday at Orbost Medical Clinic

9:00 am-5:00pm

Appointments preferred

03 5154 6713

Our aim is to provide a support service for women throughout their pregnancy, birth, post natal and breastfeeding experiences.

We as midwives are part of a team which consists of:

• Doctors
• Women's Health Nurse
• Maternal & Child Health Nurse

What we have to offer information on:

• Issues throughout pregnancy
• Antenatal Classes
• Booking in for hospital
• Birth
• Breastfeeding
• Early post natal days

Information and support through the Midwives Clinic is held each Tuesday and Friday at Orbost Medical Clinic
9:00 am-5:00pm
Coordinator
Shanrah McDonald
Appointments preferred
03 5154 6713