When to contact Midwife
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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=41506
Printed Date: 02 August 2025 at 3:51pm
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Topic: When to contact Midwife
Posted By: KatieD
Subject: When to contact Midwife
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 4:59pm
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What are the regulations in this country for when you get in touch with a midwife. I vaguely recall a conversation with the nurse a few years back telling me I am too soon, and to come back in a couple weeks, but I can't remember the rest of it. How far gone do you have to be before they consider you 'pregnant'?
Having said all that, I think they might be quite keen to look after me after the miscarriages I have had. |
Replies:
Posted By: Looey85
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 6:42pm
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I got mine at about 7-8 weeks, and I was the last space in the month I'm due for that midwife...
How many weeks are you? It pays to look early as they can book up fast. |
Posted By: KatieD
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 6:47pm
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Hi Looey, thanks for answering. I am confused by this booking in thing. If the midwife I am referred to by my GP is 'booked up' then what does that mean for me? Does the GP find me another one, or do I go to another city? Do I then have to go private?
I am just 6 weeks. |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 7:36pm
Both times I contacted midwives as soon as I found I was pregnant. You can't get in touch too early (unless you're not pregnant yet  ]. It's not as if you just get referred to one (although your Dr will probably have some they recommend). You meet with one or more, and choose one you feel comfortable with. -------------   
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Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 7:51pm
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Hey katie, congrats on your pregnancy! As Hopes said you choose your midwife yourself. You can always ask for recommendations on here or google midwives to find a list of them in your area. You can then call around and chat to them and meet up with one that takes your fancy. Once you are happy you then book with them. Its important to find one straight away because they book up quickly. I got mine at 6 weeks.
Whereabouts are you in the country? |
Posted By: clover
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 8:15pm
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Hi Katie,
It sounds like you're a bit confused about how things happen here. Basically you have two options, you go with a midwife or privately with an obstetrician. If you have had many miscarriages and a complicated medical history you may feel more comfortable paying for the services of an obstetrician but it is not required. Basically you need to find a midwife, the best way to do that is by recommendation of either people you know or on forums like this. I see you are in the Wellington region, if you let us know your specific area someone should be able to recommend a midwife for you. Then you will need to call them as soon as you can as there is a midwife shortage in Wellington. If you don't find a midwife the hospital has pool midwives that you can see so it isn't like you won't have one, it is just nice to have the one midwife that you see for all your pregnancy visits, the birth and post natal care. If you have chosen your midwife and you later develop complications they will refer you to the relevant specialist care which is at no cost (assuming you are entitled to free medical care in NZ?, not sure of your residency status). Hope that helps... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: KatieD
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 8:34pm
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Thank you for your replies.
I am in Porirua. When i was pregnant a few years ago, I went to see my GP, who then referred me to the building next door where all the midwives were. I saw 2 midwives there up until I miscarried at 19wks. That's why I am a little confused with the whole 'seek out your own MW'... but I think I get it now :-) I found the thread that recommends midwives and made a list of people to call. Not sure how I will go about interviewing them. I will also speak to GP and see if he still has his midwives there! Edited to add: 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." |