Rural Midwifery

Rural Midwifery

As a midwife working in Northland, our area can be pretty vast and wild, none so much as when you get lost :-)  I was visiting a lady last week who lived quite a way out, however, I took a wrong route and spent 40 minutes trying to find her house.  As my pathway took me further and further into remote rural countryside and  my iPhone could not connect to google maps,  I began to reflect on my midwifery journey and I saw this stunning New Zealand landscape, I just had to stop and take a photograph.

It assisted me in reconnecting with my midwifery practice and the places we go to be 'with woman' and how lucky we are to practice in New Zealand where our skills are recognised and valued.   

Hospital check list

Ladies often ask what they should bring with them when to go in to hospital.  This list is a guide and if there is something that you think should be added to make your stay more comfortable, please feel free to contact us.

FOR YOUR LABOUR

• Birth Plan
• Your maternity notes
• Dressing gown
• Slippers/Socks (your feet can get cold)
• Toiletries (hairbrush, toothbrush and paste)
• 1-2 old baggy t shirts to wear or nighties/pyjamas
• Massage oil
• Lip Balm (your lips can get quite dry in labour,e specially if using entonox)
• Snacks and drinks for you (eg.Sports drink/glucose lollies, muesli bars, bananas)
• Snacks and drinks for your partner
• Small amount of cash (there is a locked drawer available on the postnatal ward for your use at Whangarei hospital but please do not bring in large amounts of cash)
• Hair ties
• Music eg. iPod or MP3 player
• Watch
• Camera or video camera (dont forget batteries and charger)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Arnica/Rescue remedy
• Pillow or blanket from  home

FOR YOUR HOSPITAL STAY

• 2 -3 Feeding bras (buy these later in your pregnancy because your body changes very rapidly)
• 2-3 packs of maternity sanitary pads (tampons are unsuitable) for when you go home.  While you are in hospital these will be provided.
• Breast pads. - Your milk will come in on day 3 and there will be leakage, so they are for your comfort
• Front opening shirts, this is to make it easier when breastfeeding your baby
• Granny undies - in case you have a caesarean section (more comfortable than bikini undies)
• Comfortable undies
• Comfy loose outfit and shoes to wear home

TO PACK FOR BABY

• Car seat for going home
• 2-4 baby grows and singlets to wear in hospital
• Light blankets (depending on summer of winter) or muslin wraps x 2
• Hat, booties, wrap and blanket for the trip home.