Frequently asked questions
What financial assistance is available for private midwifery care?
Medicare covers a portion of the fee for antenatal and postnatal care, and the actual rebate depends on your family medicare safety net balance. For couples and families, make sure you 'register as a family' with Medicare, so your combined out-of-pocket expenses help you reach your threshold sooner and you can receive the maximum rebate for all your subsequent appointments.
Some private health insurers will cover midwifery services. You will need to enquire with your health insurer directly.
Do I need a referral?
No. As I have a collaborative arrangement with an obstetrician, you will not need a referral. You will only need to see this obstetrician if your pregnancy requires it, or you wish to.
When should I contact my midwife?
You can contact me in business hours to make an enquiry or book an appointment. It's never too early or late in your pregnancy or postpartum to reach out, however I am unable to offer midwifery services after your baby is 7 weeks old.
If I do not answer the phone, feel free to text me, as I may be busy or with another client. I'll return your call as soon as I can. You can also send me an email.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE PHONE YOUR MIDWIFE
- Sudden abdominal pain, cramps or contractions, prior to 37 weeks.
- Your waters have broken. Do not delay if fluid is brown or green tinged (the baby has passed meconium), or the waters look very bloody.
- Fresh vaginal bleeding.
- An unusual and/or sudden headache and/or vision changes, especially after 20 weeks.
- A reduction or significant change in baby movements.
- You suffer a blow to your belly such as a fall, car accident, or assault.
If you are unable to contact your midwife for any reason, please call Birth Suite at: Lismore Base Hospital on 02 66207450 or Tweed Hospital 07 5506 7490 or Grafton Base Hospital 02 6641 8490
What about general questions?
As I am sure you will understand, being constantly available creates the potential for midwives to 'burn-out'. I do not want this to happen, so I'm asking for your help. For non-urgent matters, please make contact with me during the hours of 8am-4pm Mon-Fri. Saving up your general questions until scheduled appointments is preferred, however if you believe you question cannot wait, please feel free to text or phone me on 0400 626 207.
For coughs, colds and symptoms not related to your pregnancy, please speak to your GP or Pharmacist.
For COVID-19 questions, please call Healthdirect: 1800 022 222
Do you travel to my area?
I live in Yamba, NSW and will gladly travel around the region, including the Northern Rivers, however an additional travel fee may be charged for long distances. If you are wondering if I will travel to your particular location please feel free to get in contact with me to discuss or alternatively I may be able to put you in touch with a practitioner in your area. If you live outside this area, a Telehealth appointment can be arranged if clinically suitable.
Are you a Lactation Consultant?
Yes, I am a lactation consultant! I qualified as an IBCLC in 2020 (L-301091), although many years of midwifery experience have given me a wealth of knowledge and techniques to support breastfeeding, especially in the neonatal period. Further, as an endorsed midwife, I am able to prescribe any medications you may need in relation to your feeding, as well as providing a medicare rebate for my services, within the first seven weeks post birth.
What breastfeeding support can you provide?
I can help you with sore nipples, positions for feeding, breast pain, milk supply and weight issues, reflux, thrush, assessing tongue tie, unsettled babies and frequent feeding, over supply and forceful let down, medications and feeding, sleep support, growth spurts, mastitis and blocked ducts, milk blisters, breastfeeding through illness.
Is homebirth safe?
Homebirth midwives are experienced in emergency care, and carry safety equipment (often as much as small maternity units), including drugs to control bleeding, oxygen, equipment to help baby breathe, and IV fluids, should the need for them arise. We work in close collaboration with obstetricians and/or the local hospital to ensure your care is as safe as possible. In Australia, two midwives are required by law to attend birth at home or in a birth centre, which increases safety in case of emergency. Having said that, most homebirths proceed smoothly, and your choice and autonomy is always respected.
To find out more about homebirth, see my resources.