Frequently Asked Questions

MIDWIFERY
FAQs

What is an endorsed midwife?

A registered midwife can undertake further university study in prescribing of medicines and the ordering of diagnostic (eg: ultrasound) tests. Once they have completed this study and have at least 5000 hours of clinical experience, they can apply to become endorsed with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority. Once endorsed, a midwife can apply for a Medicare provider number which allows them and/or the woman to claim medicare rebates on eligible midwifery care.

What is different about private midwifery care compared to care in a hospital?

Private midwifery care is individualised, one on one and centred around you and your family. It usually takes place in the comfort of your home, often lasting at least an hour. In contrast, hospital care takes place in the hospital environment with a more clinical, standardised approach, following set policies and timeframes.

I want a homebirth, do you travel to my area?

I’m located around 15 minutes north of Bendigo. I travel within a 1 hour radius of my home which usually includes areas such as Echuca and Castlemaine. Distances greater than 40km from my home may incur travel fees. If you’re unsure if I travel to your area, feel free to enquire to discuss further.

Do I have to be low risk?

As a private midwife, I follow the consultation and referral guidelines set out by the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). These guidelines include which factors are suitable for midwifery care, which factors suggest consultation with another health care provider and which factors suggest referral to another provider. Any consultation or referral is only done with your consent. Rather than categorising everyone to low or high risk, it is more about each individual’s history and planning the most appropriate care which may be in collaboration with other health care professionals.

Do I have to have a homebirth to have private midwifery care?

No! Private midwifery care is available to everyone, whether you plan to birth at home or in hospital. At present I don’t offer birthing support to those planning to birth in hospital but can offer all of your pregnancy and post-partum care.

Can I have a waterbirth?

Of course! Many women plan to have a waterbirth at home and I provide hire of a birthing pool included in your fee.

Are two midwives required at a homebirth?

Yes, a second midwife is required for a homebirth. The second midwife is planned by me during your pregnancy and you will meet them at your birth plan meeting around 36 weeks. In rare circumstances, the planned second midwife may not be able to attend your birth when the time comes and another will be organised by myself. The second midwife’s fee is included in your fees and is not an additional cost.

What happens if I need advice or care between visits?

When you choose me as your midwife, I am on call for you throughout the duration of your care. If you have any questions or concerns between appointments, you are more than welcome to contact me and there is no need to wait until our next meeting. I only ask that any non-urgent questions are reserved for business hours. Being on call means my phone is always on and late night or early morning messages can disrupt my sleep.

LACTATION
FAQs

What can I expect at my appointment?

I will offer a full breastfeeding assessment, this can include;

For mum: Health, pregnancy, birth and if relevant, any prior breastfeeding history. Breast and nipple examination to assess any concerns that may be affecting breastfeeding such as flat or inverted nipples, nipple damage, breast surgery, engorgement, structural abnormalities.

For baby: An oral assessment to determine function and anatomy. Urine and bowel output. Weight checks if required. Feeding history and assessment.

Feeding: A full assessment of a breastfeed, including any relevant support and guidance.

I can’t find an appointment time that suits me, can you help?

If there are no times that suit you or you’re requiring urgent help, please reach out via email at hello@milkydreams.com.au

Will you support me if I want to bottle feed?

Of course! Everyone’s journey is different and I want to support you to achieve your goals. So whether this is a combination of breast and bottle feeding, expressing breastmilk or solely formula feeding.

I think I’m ready to wean, can you help?

I sure can. No matter your reasons or the timing in your journey, I can guide you, free of judgement. I also always remind mums I’m caring for that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If providing breastmilk to your baby is important to you but your current situation isn’t working, we can always discuss a plan that works for you.

SLEEP
FAQs

What should I expect from a consult?

I start with a detailed intake form to gain as much information from you as possible so that we can use our video call to efficiently discuss solutions. I will discuss any red flags with you and suggest referrals if necessary. Together we will develop a plan that you feel comfortable with, which I will provide in writing after our video call. I will provide you with any relevant guides/resources and check in with you once a week for 2 weeks via email.

What are your qualifications?

I am currently in the final stages of completing my Baby-Led Sleep and Wellbeing certification which was developed by Isla Grace. An attachment focused course which has 24 expert teachers over 99 lessons. I am also a Nurse, Midwife and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Will my baby cry?

Sometimes when we make changes, especially for the first time, our baby can have big feelings about this. Crying is your baby’s communication and expression of emotion and this is welcome, however we want to support them with this and acknowledge the change might be hard for them. Crying is not the problem but doing it alone is.

What do you mean when you say “no sleep training”?

I define sleep training as any method that is withholding a parent’s response or support. Some of these commonly known methods range from cry it out/extinction, Ferber or other modified extinction methods that include “checking in”, Disappearing chair and pick up/put down. All of these are a variation of sleep training as they call for the parent to withhold their desire to respond and soothe their baby as quickly as possible and/or in a way they want. Babies require co regulation and I will support you to do this in whatever way works for you. I encourage you to be responsive and do what feels right for you, I will never tell you to change something that you want to continue.