Midwife for Levin, Shannon, Foxton, Otaki
Midwives provide free maternity care to all eligible women in
New Zealand and over 82% of women today have a midwife as their
Lead Maternity carer (LMC)
My midwifery path began ten years ago. I qualified (in the UK) as part of the Direct Entry Honors Degree Programme in Womens Maternal Health and achieved a Diploma in Therapeutic massage.
My decision to be a midwife stemmed from the birth of my son. Although my pregnancy and birth was 'normal' I remember feeling confused by the 'maternity world' I had newly entered - full of words I had never heard before, decisions I had to decide upon and experiences I had never felt before, both physically and emotionally.
Emma, my midwife guided me through this and I have never forgotten her for this. As a midwife myself now, I am passionate about midwifery as a profession and providing woman and their family with the clinical and emotional support they may require.
Having worked in the Primary and Secondary care units and then as a Senior Community midwife in the UK (specialising in high risk concerns) I was left frustrated at the lack of continuity of care I could provide. Having the opportunity to work as an independent midwife in New Zealand is a unique and privileged position. Sadly the women in UK are not provided with a free service of this kind, and there are very few Independents.
My caseload varies each month as babies rarely arrive when expected! I aim to support 2-6 women per month (NZ college of Midwives recommend no more than 70 women per year).
I support the women of Levin, Shannon, Foxton and Otaki and work as a partnership with women. I'm flexible to help achieve this. Usually I visit at home for an initial booking visit that involves planning your care with you, offering blood tests, screening choices, scans and health promotion information. I hold a weekly clinic or can visit at home by arrangement. I support home and water births, along with births at the maternity unit.
Under Secondary Care, I am available as your midwife for your pregnancy (alongside the secondary care team) and postnatal visits for up to 6
weeks following the birth. Please look at 'What is a LMC' for more information.
My husband, son and I moved to New
Zealand several years ago and have never regretted our decision. New
Zealand is truly a beautiful place full of friendly people.
During my free time I am enjoying renovating our home, its endless! but i love designing and bringing it all together. Of course it can also lead to my other passion - shopping! Cosmetics, shoes, handbags and anything that 'sparkles' are my weakness, but I don't think i'm alone on this! (I hope)
Our 3 Labradors - Lucy, Poppy and Bella keep us busy. They just love the beach, but then who doesn't?
I look forward to meeting you.
Caroline
