We are a group of midwives who work closely as a collective. You have your chosen LMC (lead maternity carer) midwife and you will generally meet your back up midwife at around 36 weeks. We have a philosophy of care that supports physiological/natural birth. We support people to birth at home, Kenepuru primary birthing unit and Wellington hospital. Waterbirth can be an option in any of these settings. If a medical complication does arise in your pregnancy we will refer you to the obstetric doctors for their input and guidance. In most cases, we will remain involved as your lead maternity carer, working with the obstetric team to support you.
We provide individualised care throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth and the first 4-6 weeks after your baby is born. Our midwives work every second weekend, and will be off call one weekend per fortnight. If they work the weekend, they are generally off call on the following Monday. We also take periods of leave during the year. This aims to allow a good work/life balance and to enable a well rested midwife at your birth.
We are all Registered with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and are members of the New Zealand College of Midwives whose Standards of Practice and regular review processes guide our care. We welcome your feedback on our care, and this can be done via the New Zealand College of midwives website. This is usually done on completion of our care, but can be done at any time.
Our availability
Currently we are 6 midwives, 5 who are Wellington based and 1 who is Porirua based. We cover Wellington and the wider suburbs up to Porirua. We do not provide care in the Hutt Valley.
Your antenatal appointments will occur approximately 4-6 weekly until 28 weeks, 2-3 weekly until 36 weeks and then weekly until your baby is born. We provide full midwifery care during your labour and birth, and postnatal visits at your home for up to 4- 6 weeks.
Code of Rights
When you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights. See the link below that outlines these rights.
https://www.hdc.org.nz/your-rights/the-code-and-your-rights/
Resolutions Committee
If you have any concerns about the care that you receive, we would encourage you to discuss these concerns with your midwife. If you are not comfortable to do so, you can also contact the New Zealand College of Midwives resolution committee at the link below.
https://www.midwife.org.nz/midwives/college-roles-and-services/resolutions-committee/