Pregnancy, birth and baby in Murrumbidgee

Pregnancy care is shared between GPs, midwives, and doctors from the Antenatal Clinic.

To receive this option of care, you should visit your GP as well as a midwife at the hospital. If necessary, you will be referred to hospital doctors and specialists.

Midwifery Group Practices (MGP) are available in Leeton and Deniliquin. In this model, a small group of midwives will be on call for you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early postnatal (after birth) period at home. You will be assigned a primary midwife, but you may also meet the other midwives in your group as they could provide some of your care. The aim of MGP is to provide you with a known midwife for your birth and postnatal care at home.

Midwives are trained specialists in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. For most women, your group of midwives will be able to provide the majority of your care. However, if the need for medical consultation or referral arises, each group practice is supported by an obstetrician/GP-obstetrician. Your midwifery group will continue to support you, working alongside the doctors to maintain continuity for you. Births take place in the hospital setting, with early transfer home encouraged. The same group of midwives provides postnatal care to you and your family in your home.

Resources

• Brochure - Leeton Midwifery Group Practice (PDF 1.48MB)

You can choose to have your pregnancy care provided by a private obstetrician or a GP with a diploma in obstetrics.

Obstetricians are fully trained specialist doctors who have studied for a minimum of 13 years from the point they began to study as a doctor, with at least 6 years training in obstetrics. They can provide care for women with pregnancies that are progressing normally, as well as women with health conditions or complications with their pregnancy.

Some GPs with a diploma or advanced diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology, with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) accreditation also provide private care to women.

During labour, midwives and your obstetrician/GP-obstetrician will provide care. Your obstetrician will be present for birth and will perform any necessary procedures, including an instrumental birth or caesarean section. They will also provide postnatal care and appropriate follow-up. Your chosen obstetrician/GP-obstetrician will provide continuity of care throughout the pregnancy.

To book an appointment, call your local facility and ask to speak with the midwives or antenatal team. We can help you book your appointment. Antenatal means before the baby comes, and postnatal means after the baby comes.

It’s important to start antenatal visits early for better outcomes for both mother and baby. You can make a booking-in appointment from 16 weeks gestation or earlier if you have identified complications. When you call us, please ask your local midwife or antenatal team what information they require on your first visit.

The booking-in visit is important for midwives and care providers to provide you with the best informed care during your pregnancy. Please bring any recent pathology or ultrasound reports with you to this visit. Most normal pregnant women may need 10 antenatal visits during their pregnancy. The schedule of visits can be discussed at your first visit.

If complications are identified, you may require more consultations and a possible transfer to a higher level facility for ongoing care. However, generally, most women will be able to have most of their antenatal care provided in their local area.

If you're pregnant and seeking assistance with maintaining a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, or reducing alcohol consumption, the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service is here for you. You can ask your midwife or doctor to refer you, or simply sign up online.

Getting ready for this special time is so exciting, and knowing what to pack is a big part of getting ready. It's a good idea to have a bag packed and ready by around 28 weeks, just in case.

Call the maternity unit to talk about any special things you want to bring and let them know when you're coming to the hospital so they can be ready for you.

Here's a list of things you should bring:

• Maternity pads: After having your baby, you'll have bleeding for a few weeks. Bring lots of special maternity pads with you, as tampons and menstrual cups are not recommended during this time.
• Comfy underwear: You'll want large, comfortable undies that can hold a pad. It's best if you don't mind throwing them away if they get messy.
• Clothes for you: Bring a few changes of comfortable, soft clothing, especially if you plan to breastfeed. Dark clothes are recommended to hide breastmilk leaks. If you're breastfeeding, also bring breastfeeding pads (disposable or non-disposable).
• Clothes for your baby: Bring a few changes of clothing for your baby, like onesies and cotton singlets.
• Nappies: You'll need a couple of packets of nappies and some baby wipes.
• Formula: If you plan to formula feed, bring your chosen formula, bottles, and teats.
• Toiletries: Bring your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and anything you need for your baby. Avoid using powder for both you and your baby.
• Snacks: When breastfeeding, you might get really hungry. Have healthy snacks and drinks on hand, especially for nighttime feedings.
• Music: Prepare a playlist for labor and birth.
• Phone: You can bring your phone to the maternity unit. Just remember to bring a charger and take it home with you.

Important: Not all vomiting is because of pregnancy.

If you have vomiting with pain, other symptoms, or really bad vomiting during pregnancy, it's important to check for other serious reasons. In this case, reach out to your doctor, go to the hospital, or call 000 for a check-up.

Sickness and vomiting in pregnancy versus Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Feeling queasy and throwing up are usual signs of early pregnancy. If you're really sick and it's affecting your everyday activities, you might have something called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This means having a lot of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Learn more about Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

If you or someone you know is feeling distressed and needs urgent help, call our AccessLine at 1800 800 944.

English is not your first language

If English is not your first language, you can use the Telephone Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) to talk to a mental health professional at the Mental Health Line. TIS National is free and available 24 hours, 7 days.

Call TIS National at 131 450 and ask them to connect you to the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511.