My services
As a student midwife, my role and my services are dictated by university policy, Midwifery Code of Practice, Code of Ethics and Standards. Most importantly though, my role in your pregnancy, labour and birth are determined by you. While the minimum requirements for my studies are to attend four (4) antenatal and two (2) postnatal appointments with you, as well as your labour and birth if you are comfortable for me to, I can provide support for you during appointments, your labour and birth, and all of the bits in between.
You can read more about the student midwife Continuity of Care Experience with ACU students here.
Appointments
I attend and support you during your antenatal and postnatal appointments, from as soon as we connect through to six weeks after the birth of your baby. While I'm listening and learning I'm able to take notes for you, and jot down any questions you have. Attending plenty of appointments with you also means I can help you to join the dots in what can be a confusing system. I can attend any appointment with you, as long as there is a registered health care provider present. Appointments might include:
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- Midwives
- Obstetricians
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Maternal & Child Health Nurses (MCHN)
- Specialists
- Ultrasounds
- Diabetes educators
- Birth classes
Labour and birth
If you are comfortable for me to do so, I will attend your labour and birth. If you are birthing in hospital I will join you once you arrive there, and if you are birthing at home I will join you once your midwives arrive.
During your labour and birth I am able to become part of your birth team, providing support to you and your team. Depending on if you are comfortable, and on your care provider, I may also be involved in some of your care during labour and birth.
Between appointments
Between your appointments, I'm available for you to contact at any time. Because I am not a qualified midwife yet I'm not able to provide you with advice. Instead I can answer questions that you have by explaining the latest research, talking you through what experts in the field have to say, and pointing you to useful resources (like books, podcasts and websites).