About Midwives Clinic
Midwives are expert in normal pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenthood. Westmead midwives understand each pregnancy is unique and our care includes education to help you remain healthy and well throughout your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of great excitement for families and we encourage partners and support people to join you at your visits.
Midwives clinics are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8.00am until 4.00pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.00 am until 7.00 pm.
You will generally attend the midwives clinics on the same day of the week for your visits.
At each visit your midwife will ask you how you are and if you have any concerns. Your midwife will check your:
- weight,
- blood pressure
- urine if necessary
- blood tests results
- baby’s movements
- baby’s position and size
Your midwife will discuss with you the progress of your pregnancy and share important moments with you, including listening to your baby’s heartbeat. You will be referred to a doctor if you develop any health concerns during your pregnancy. If needed we can also refer to other health workers including social workers, physiotherapists and dieticians for more specialised support.
Midwives provide care which promotes health and wellbeing. Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps prepare your body and your baby for long term health. Research has proven that long term health benefits for children begin before birth. Midwifery care will provide:
- education regarding diet and exercise
- education on preparing for the birth of your baby
- Breastfeeding education
Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mothers and babies.
The benefits of attending a midwife led clinic include the opportunity to learn about your pregnancy and ways to promote your and your baby’s health. The professional relationship you are able to develop with your midwife empowers you to make decisions about your care.
Outreach clinics are midwife clinics which are located in the Community Health Centres of Castle Hill, Wentworthville and Greystanes.
Westmead midwives work within these outreach clinics and offer the same midwifery service that is offered at the hospital.Many women enjoy the benefit of attending a clinic close to their home.
Westmead Outreach Clinics Appointments for routine visits are in the morning and booking in appointments are in the afternoon.
| Location |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
| Constitution Hill |
8:00am – 3:30pm |
|
9:00am – 3:30pm |
|
| Greystanes |
|
9:00am – 3:30pm |
|
|
| Castle Hill |
|
|
|
9:00am – 12:00pm |
Caseload Midwifery provides you with continuity of carer with a midwife known to you. This midwife attends to your care in pregnancy, during labour and birth and after baby is born for up to 2 weeks.
Continuity of carer is shown to have proven health benefits including increased rates of normal birth and a more positive experience of labour and birth. Women who experience continuity of care report increased satisfaction with maternity carers and higher rates of successful breastfeeding.
Babies of mother’s having continuity of carer are more likely to be born at term and have better health outcomes. For more information see Caseload Midwives.
This type of pregnancy care takes place in a group setting on Tuesday nights 6pm – 8pm for each of your scheduled visits. Group pregnancy care can be beneficial to women who are keen to share and learn about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting with other pregnant women. During this session a midwife will attend to your antenatal check while another midwife supports group discussion and education. Partners and support persons are welcome to attend.
Throughout your pregnancy you will need tohave regular check up’s to make sure that youand your baby are doing well. For young women 20 years and under, the Young Mum’s Pregnancy Group offers care and education, free of charge, every Monday 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Social workers are also available to speak to if needed. You can find out more about the Young Mum's Pregnancy Group here.
Privately practising midwife antenatal shared care gives you the choice to have antenatal and postnatal care provided by a midwife working in the community. Your antenatal appointment times can be more flexible and you will enjoy continuity of care with one midwife. These midwives are accredited with Westmead Hospital. Our Birth Unit midwives will care for you while you are in labour and birth.
You will need to attend the Booking-in visit at the Women’s Health Clinic Westmead Hospital. You can ask the midwife who is booking you in for a referral to the Privately practising midwife antenatal shared care program. Your suitability for Midwife shared care will depend on your health, previous obstetric history and personal factors.You can read more about Privately Practising Midwifery Antenatal Shared Care on our website or go to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. You can view the Midwifery antenatal shared care flyer here.
Westmead midwives understand each pregnancy is unique and our care includes education to help you remain healthy and well throughout your pregnancy