More about Midwifery at Vera.

Midwifery has a long history and was the first holistic profession that viewed the philosophy of “care” as a women-centred phenomenon.  Maternity care is the balance between the woman’s health, and that of her baby. Bringing in new life is as much a social and spiritual activity as it is physical, and families have different levels of understanding, support needs and preferences. 

The meaning of the word midwife is “being with woman”, standing beside, on the same level, a professional friend that is concerned with the promotion of women’s wellbeing (physical, emotional, spiritual), respecting pregnancy as a state of health and progression through a life cycle and childbirth as a normal physiological process and profound event in a woman’s life. This concept of companion is what makes midwives unique practitioners in the healthcare system.  

A woman’s relationship with her pregnancy care providers can have a profound impact on her health & wellbeing, overall experience, birthing outcome and adjustment during the early transition to parenthood. Few women are aware they can have the option of a private midwife for their care, or of the benefits of having a known midwife as part of her care team.  

Services.

Lauren has 20 years of experience as a midwife and can offer:

Antenatal Care.

Initial Midwifery Consultation  

Assist you to navigate and understand your maternity care options, provide early pregnancy information and overview of the pregnancy management for your chosen model of care. Order your first antenatal screening tests as required.  

Scheduled Visits 

Pregnancy care appointments are provided in clinic throughout your antenatal journey. Scheduled visits from early to late pregnancy, with extras as required, Lauren can offer additional support alongside your primary carer or shared care options with your GP or a collaborating obstetrician for a private birth at the Mater Mothers.  

What you can expect —

• Long appointments to ensure you feel supported and empowered  

• Full history - including medical, surgical, previous births 

• Assessment of mother & baby 

• Education of pregnancy, and common symptoms, screening & diagnostic tests and recommendations i.e. vaccinations, weight gain, diet & exercise 

• Labour & birth preparation  

• Breastfeeding preparation 

• Planning for motherhood & early parenting education 

• Emotional health & wellbeing check 

Postnatal Care. 

Initial Postnatal Visit 

Lauren is available for regular postnatal check-ups in the clinic or at home (see Postnatal Package). Once home, Lauren is available for regular postnatal check-ups up until 6 weeks. The initial visit is an hour long to offer the time to debrief the birth experience, assessed both mother and baby wellbeing, and offer advice and support for common adjustment questions on feeding, sleeping, settling and parenting.  

Additional Postnatal Visits 

The length of time is dependent on you. Short visits under 40 minutes allow for baby weighing and advice or troubleshooting.

Longer visits between 45 - 60 minutes allow for mother and baby checks, emotional support as well as advice and troubleshooting.  

What you can expect —

• Birth debrief 

• Assessment of Mother – physical, and emotional well-being checks. Referrals as required 

• Assessment of Baby – weight, length, reflexes, tone, feeding regime, sleeping. Referrals as required

• Education on normal newborn expectations, development milestones, SIDS, Child & Family Support Services 

• Parenting & self-care advice 

• Local community support groups 

Education.

Birth Mapping Visit 

A long 75-minute appointment in your third trimester (preferably after you have attended antenatal education) to assist you to understand and fine-tune your birth preferences and determine the decision points in birth and life with a new baby.  

What you can expect —

• Education on late-stage pregnancy symptoms and when to transfer to hospital. 

• Talking through your birth preferences and the possible variations you may encounter on your path and informed decision-making 

• Education on early labour (if choosing vaginal birth) and tools to assist you to remain calm and in control – tutorial and hire of TENS machine 

• Education on antenatal expressing of colostrum, storage and early breastfeeding (expression kit provided) 

• Advice for support people

Baby Massage

Baby massage is a beautiful, relaxing activity all care givers can do with their babies and an excellent parenting tool you can return to again and again. The first connection between parent and baby is through physical loving touch, learning baby massage techniques early sets up deep emotional bonds, builds confidence in understanding howe babies communicate and their cue's, and helps your little one feel securely attached laying down the foundations for a lifetime of trust, respect, and compassion. Learn the power of touch and the many benefits of infant massage in the comfort of your own home over two visits. Baby massage is a completely baby-led practice, it is important we follow their cues, therefore the time of the sessions will vary (allow 60 - 90 minutes).

What you can expect —

• Learn the history and cultural aspects of this ancient art, and what oils to use when massaging.

• Communicating with your baby, understanding their cues and behavioural states.

• Baby reflexes and infant brain development.

• The benefits of massage for parents and babies and the importance of touch for lifelong health outcomes.

• Stroke routines for different body parts, relaxation, fussy and colicky babies.

• Comprehensive handouts, and a bottle of oil to get you started.

Join our Member’s Portal for information on our upcoming workshops and women’s circles.