Midwife Services

The Christchurch Multiple Birth Club no longer lists or endorses any individual midwife. Please refer to your doctor's advice or better yet, ask a friend for their recommendations.

Questions to ask when choosing a Midwife for your multiple birth:

Pregnancy:

Are you a member of the New Zealand College of Midwives?
Is your practice reviewed annually through the New Zealand College of Midwives’Standards Review Process.
How many multiple pregnancies have you cared for?
How many women do you book each month? (NZCOM recommends 4-6 per month).
Who is your midwife partner?
Will your partner provide back up and how do you worktogether?
When will I have the opportunity to get to know her as well?
What birthing options do you offer?
If consultation with an obstetrician or specialist is required, what are my options and thecosts involved?
Where do you provide antenatal visits?
What kind of antenatal care can I expect?
What are your beliefs about pregnancy and birth?

Labour and Birth:

What birthing options do you offer for multiples?
What hospitals do you have access to?
Do you come to my home in labour?
What equipment do you carry?
If while in labour I need care from and obstetrician how will it be arranged?
Under what circumstances would my care be handed over to the hospital staff?
If I need an induction, epidural or C-section will you continue to provide my care?
If my labour is long who will relieve you?
Is there any differences in the hospital process when dealing with the birth of multiples and what can we expect?

After the Birth:

How often do you visit after the birth?
How many weeks do you visit after the birth? (NZCOM recommends up to 4 to 6 weeks following the birth).
If I need to be in hospital for a few days after the birth, will you visit me there?
What will your role be?
Do you refer to other health professionals and support groups? For example: PlunketLa Leche LeagueGeneral PraticionersMultiple Birth Club (Adapted from NZCOM Pamphlet with Thanks)