Midwifery teams

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In a message dated 10/24/01 3:29:06 PM W. Australia Standard Time, Clare

writes:

> Will they let me register with a GP

> nearer home so I can have the same team of midwives all the way

> through my pregnancy, or will they make me have one team until I move,

> and another after I move?

>

First thing I'm going to do Clare is give you a little " ticking off " :-)

Stop using words like " let " and " make " - the choice is yours, not theirs.

Theoretically, you can choose your own place of birth and your own care - but

we all know that in practice it doesn't necessarily work like that, and we

have to be pragmatic. But having said that, you must be assertive and go for

what you want. If you feel happy with the idea of continuos care (and who

wouldn't) - then go for it. You don't have to register with a GP at all for

pregnancy - you can go direct to your midwife. What about contacting the

local midwives near your parents to find out the scheme of antenatal care

that they operate etc. For example, is it team midwifery. I would also

contact the local branch of the NCT there - they may well have a home birth

support group. However, you may feel happy having someone close to you who

can provide antenatal care for you until your return to Hereford. In the

meantime, you can make contact with the midwives near your parents and get to

know them, so that when you move, you already know them.

With your permission could I post your message on the antenatal teacher's

list as there may well be an NCT teacher from Hereford, who can provide a

local knowledge of the best way to " play the system " to get the care that you

want - she can also advise you about local NCT classes:-)

All the best

Debbie Slater

Perth, WA

AN Teacher on time out