Q: How long will take for a midwife to be found for me?
A: It is difficult to predict, but can take 2-3 weeks. It can also depend upon the time of year (ie: if you are due in the summer months, you can expect it to take slightly longer). You will be contacted as soon as someone is found for you.
Q: What happens if I don’t like the midwife found for me?
A: If at any stage during your pregnancy you decide you would prefer a different midwife, please contact MATPRO and a new midwife will be found for you.
Q: A particular midwife has been recommended to me. Can I request her?
A: Certainly. If you have any particular preferences, please let MATPRO know and that midwife will be contacted first. If, however, your first choice of midwife is unavailable, all other midwives will be contacted until one is found for you. Similarly, if there is a particular midwife you would rather not have, that midwife will not be offered to you.
Q: What happens if MATPRO can’t find a midwife for me?
A: If MATPRO is unable to find a midwife for you by the time you are 15 weeks pregnant, you will be referred to the Primary Care Midwifery Team at Wellington Hospital. This team is comprised of three experienced midwives who will provide all required ante natal and post natal care, as well as delivering your baby.
Q: I want to have a home birth/natural therapy. Is this possible?
A: Certainly. Please advise MATPRO of any preferences you have and those midwives who best meet your requirements will be contacted on your behalf in the first instance.
Q: I do not yet have a midwife and am concerned about what foods I can/can’t eat. What should I do?
A: Until such time as a midwife is allocated to you, you can consult your GP regarding any general antenatal queries such as this, or you can call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922. But, until you have received some reliable advice, if you’re not sure – don’t eat it.
Q: I don’t have a midwife yet and have been experiencing morning sickness, bleeding and/or stomach pains, what should I do?
A: If symptoms are mild-moderate, see your GP. If your symptoms are more severe, go straight to your nearest hospital for immediate treatment.
Q: I’d like to lay a complaint about a midwife – what can I do?
A: You can lay a complaint with the Health and Disability Commissioner (phone 0800 112 233) or you can speak to the NZ College of Midwives (03 377 2732).
Q: We are struggling financially – can we get help?
A: Please contact Work and Income NZ on 0800 559 009, they will be able to assist you with this enquiry.
Q: I’m having triplets! Who can I talk to?
A: Contact New Zealand Multiple Birth Association on 0800 489 467.
Q: I’ve just started a new job and found out I’m pregnant – what should I do?
A: Contact the Department of Labour on 0800 20 90 20.
Q: I’m pregnant and don’t know whether I want the baby. Who can I talk to?
A: Pregnancy Counselling Services are the people to talk to. They are available 24 hours a day on 0800 PREGNANT (0800 733 462).