When to find a midwife?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41364
Printed Date: 02 August 2025 at 10:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: When to find a midwife?
Posted By: Bky
Subject: When to find a midwife?
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 10:37am
Though it's fairly early days, and I haven't yet tested, I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant. I plan to test on Friday at 13 DPO, but I have a usual 10 day luteal phase, all my chart signs and symptoms are pointing to pregnancy and I have the 'taste' in my mouth. I haven't tested because I have one test at home and I'm trying to be patient for a decent line (also husband's birthday on Friday  )
I have a few tricky things I want to interview potential midwives about (not using the ones I used last time) so when is reasonable to contact them? Obviously the risk of miscarriage is higher before 6 weeks, but at the same time I want to make sure I can get in with ones I like. Last time I booked at 6 weeks and that was considered early. However, some of the ones I'm looking at only take 3 women per any given month. Would it be reasonable to call around 4 weeks to interview and if I like them tell them I'll call back at 6 weeks to confirm (that I'm still pregnant)? ------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015 |
Replies:
Posted By: kelzie_rose
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 10:53am
|
I booked in as soon as I found out I was UTD the first time. Didn't meet the MW but she arranged scans and blood tests when I thought I was miscarrying. Ditto pregnancy #2 and #3. Finally met her when I was UTD the fourth time! Lovely lady. So yes it was early, but she arranged everything for me, and was very supportive over the phone, email and txt during my miscarriages.
ETA: FX for your BFP on Friday!! -------------  Started TTC Apr 2008 With PCOS and a bicornuate uterus Our angel babies Jan 2010 <3 Oct 2010 <3 Apr 2011 <3 |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 11:23am
|
I booked mine as soon as I found out I was pregnant both times. I had a much harder time the second time as I found out a bit later. I'd do it as soon as you get a positive test. -------------   
|
Posted By: Keleho
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 1:13pm
|
With this pregnancy, I tested on a Sunday morning, told DH, then my parents the same day, then called my mw on the following Monday. I was 4 weeks at the time and she had no issue booking me in at that stage (esp as being due in Jan, finding a mw can be a bit harder with holidays etc).
So I dont think its too early to do it straight away, especially if you want to look around a bit  ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: Bky
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 3:10pm
|
Thanks! ------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015 |
Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 6:19pm
|
I would call ASAP too.
I did both times, first time (Jan baby) I rang three midwives before getting in with someone. A lot of the recommended midwives only take a few clients at a time and can be booked out pretty quickly -------------  
|
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 6:27pm
|
i booked at 4w2d last time (same day i found out). no point waiting for the sake of waiting as far as I can see!
------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: KatieD
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 5:08pm
|
I am confused so I hope you don't mind my reply.
In Britain, as far as I am aware, you don't really have a choice of midwife unless you go private. You tell your GP, they hook you up with the midwife and go from there. So I am still learning how things are done in this country. (This is an NZ forum isnt it?!!) New Zealand I mean. DO I choose a midwife then? How do I go about doing that? Do I not have to use the one the GP refers me to. Do midwives cost? How do I know if the midwife I will be seeing is a nice one?!! (when you don't know anyone to ask). My husband has just asked me if I can ask any more questions in one paragraph. I think, he might be right on this one. Well done, first time this week :-D Will stop there! |
Posted By: SethsMama
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 6:05pm
|
Most midwife services are free (i think there may be some private ones that cost but they''ll at least have subsidised care).
I found mine by going to the local birthing centre (where I wanted to give birth) and they had a list of midwives that worked with them, and I picked the closest to where I lived...you know 'just in case'
I got lucky and found someone that I liked straight away, but you are allowed to change at anytime. I went to the GP when I first found out I was pregnant and got my first bloods/scans (some mc scares) through them. I only contacted my midwife at 10 weeks, and she took over from my GP then. I would contact them as early as possible though, as they are only allowed a certain number of ladies a month. Hope that helps! ------------- 
|
Posted By: KatieD
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 6:49pm
| Thank you for further explaining that for me. Birthing centres? Didnt realise you had birthing centres. I assumed we all went off to hospital. For me I would have to go to Wellington which is bit of a trek, but they prob wont see me in Keneperu. |
Posted By: shellgirl
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 7:18pm
|
Wellington itself doesn't have birthing centres (although there is Kenepuru Hospital and a centre up the Kapiti Coast for uncomplicated pregancies/births, but it sounds like you need the full hospital anyway).
In Wellington there is a shortage of midwifes so I would recommend finding one as soon as possible. I had a lot of trouble at 6 weeks in my first pregnancy. I haven't heard of doctors referring you to a particular midwife here. Generally it is up to you to find your own one. My doctor gave me a list of midwifes and their contact details when first pregnant. You can also go with the midwifes at the hospital but that is probably inconvenient for appointments for you by the sounds of things, plus you get whoever is on, so not necessarily the same person each time. Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
|
Posted By: Lucky apple
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 8:02pm
|
I would try and make contact with a midwife asap :-) I did at 5 weeks this time. They can explain the system to you too. Midwifery care is free for NZ residents/citizens - I think it might cost if you aren't (I have no idea the rules at all!) Would be a good thing to find out about if you aren't a resident.
The midwifery counsel http://www.midwife.org.nz/index.cfm/1,87,html - website will have good info and you should have access to a list of midwives there too. Maternity care is free from your GP in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. So, they can do first bloods and explain the system to you too :-) And, it's fine to ask questions here - lots of people can help! |
Posted By: KatieD
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 8:41pm
|
Ahh I think i have figured it out. My particular GP surgery has their own midwives:
"Porirua Union and Community Health Service also provides maternity services to women with higher needs. It has one full time and one part time midwife." That's why I didnt have to go hunting for one last time. But now I know I have a choice, I will look around... |