feeling alone - can’t find an LMC
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26300
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Topic: feeling alone - can’t find an LMC
Posted By: shiny
Subject: feeling alone - can’t find an LMC
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:07pm
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i've been unable to find an LMC. I've rung every midwife and obs in town, they're all booked up and won't take me.
I'm currently 10 weeks. I bought a magazine - which has great info on how to "choose your LMC" - which feels like some kinda cruel joke. choice? hah! I've also got a diary the GP gave me, and have stopped drinking -- but other than the one sentence per week summaries, i really have no idea what i'm doing here. |
Replies:
Posted By: bex88
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:12pm
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Sorry didn't want to read and run. Thats no good that you haven't been able to find a MW. my only suggestions would be 1. Are there any MW from out of town that cover your area???
2. Does your local hospital/maternity centre have a team of MW's (it would mean that you get a different person each time depending on your appts). Good luck with finding a MW, hope you get it sorted soon. In the mean time if you have any questions someone on here may be able to answer them for you, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. -------------  
http://thesimplethings-bex88.blogspot.com - Blog |
Posted By: Roses are Red
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:27pm
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That must be so hard. Maybe try ringing all of them again and explaining that you have rung all the ones on the list and they can't take you so you need someone.
They may have the space but not giving it away unless it gets too bad. Surely someone can take you, you can't not have a LMC. Another thing to try is ringing a few Dr's and seeing if any of them deliver - its not common but you might have some luck. Good luck, this must be tough, especially if you are nearing your 12 week mark as you are supposed to have a scan then, referred from your LMC ------------- 
 Angel March 2011
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 7:38pm
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Hospitals and birthing centres usually have a team of midwifes.
If you use a team, you usally see the same mw through your pre natal and post natal .. but you have a duty midwife when you give birth. I would ring the hospital (or birthing centre) you plan to birth in and talk to them. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 8:50pm
| Where are you? Do what lilfatty said, even if they don't have community midwives they should be able to help you out. |
Posted By: yummymummy
Date Posted: 03 May 2009 at 8:55pm
I had similar experience - I started ringing at around 4-5 wks pregnant to be told I need to wait to 12 wks or had my msgs not returned etc!!! Then I rang the same midwives at 12 wks to be told I had left it too late 
I rang Akl Hospital at that point and found them great, they got me a mw and all was well. I didn't even bother with anyone else the second time around. Whereabouts are you in NZ? ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 8:01am
I'm in Wellington. I realise i can go to the hospital if something goes wrong, but i don't know what to look for to know something's gone wrong. i'm on a diet of toast and lemon ginger drinks, because that's all i can keep down. I know so few women - i work as an engineer - and this was completely unplanned pregnancy. My mum lives far away, and has been my lifeline on the phone so far. The women who are mothers that I know are either my clients or spouses of friends/clients. I've had a chat with a couple. Re-assured me a bit. but, not someone I can get too personal with. A book is no substitute for an LMC, but if there's one you can recommend please do. Is there anything i should be doing? Scans? I got a dating scan through my GP (there was one midwive who could take me if the date was wrong by a week, but it wasn't). GP visit again to get nausea pills.The $80 per GP visit is gonna get tiring soon. |
yummymummy wrote:Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 8:30am
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You GP visits should be free if you are a NZ citizen as they are covered by maternity. If you are a NZ citizen, I would be ringing your GP and asking for that money to be refunded.
I second ringing back some MW's and explaining your situation. -------------  
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 9:19am
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Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!
This must be really stressful for you, poor thing, especially when you feel so sick. I know I felt really lost until I'd got a LMC organised. In my local free newspaper there is an advertisement for "pregnant and confused - need advice and information" or something like that. I rang that number and it was the local pregnancy resource centre. There was a really lovely lady there who suggested some midwives and told me about the system a bit. She said best I ring the midwives directly, but if I had any issues to get back to her and she'd help me find one. So maybe if there is something similar in your paper try that? If that doesn't help, ring the hospital - they have a team of midwives who will take you. You will have to go to the hospital for appts and you may or may not see the same one everytime, but they will at least take care of you. Finally, all pregnancy-related doctors visits up to 13 weeks should be free for NZ residents, so I'd be complaining to your doctor! If you haven't found a midwife in the next couple of weeks, go to your doctor for a referral for the 13 week scan if you want to screen for downs syndrome and other similar abnormalities. I hope thats a bit helpful, and big hugs to you! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Mrs_B
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 10:23am
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Just wanted to say sorry you find yourself in this situation I don't have a lot to add to what the others have said in terms of finding a LMC and the fact you shouldn't have to pay for maternity care through your GP but wanted to share a couple of websites I have found really helpful...
Here's some info on food safety, as there are a lot of restrictions on what pregnant women should/shouldn't eat http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/low-immunity-child-pregnancy/pregnancy-food-safety/ This is a good website for all things pregnancy related http://www.babycenter.com.au/ You can sign up and they send you weekly emails about Baby's development which is cool. E.g this is for 10 weeks http://www.babycenter.com.au/stages/0110/ It has heaps of FAQ's too so you can type just about anything in to the search function and it will give you an answer. Good luck. Let us know how you get on. -------------  
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Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 12:05pm
Yes, i'm a NZer. Price is $50 at wellington GPs. $80 is after hours. I did ask, but they say a midwife is free, a GP is not. If you have info on where i can get that refunded, or where i can find a GP that won't charge me, please please share. My GP doesn't do maternity care.
I found 3 obs in Wellington, all are booked full and can't take me. I went on the waiting list for one - but i'm 16th on the list so not likely. |
Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 12:10pm
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thanks to everyone offering advice. The food safety stuff is especially useful - once i'm eating more than toast and lemonginger i'll be sure to follow that very carefully.
I did find a 0800 MUM2BE phone number - they're going to snail-mail me a list of all widwives.. amazing use of 19th century technology there when a webpage would be far more useful. hopefully there's some on that list that i haven't contacted yet, who have space for me. In other news, i discovered eating dry cornflakes doesn't make me sick. hurrah! |
Posted By: Mrs_B
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 12:56pm
Yay for dry conflakes!! 
I found this website for you: http://www.pcs.org.nz/ Hopefully they can offer some help -------------
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 12:57pm
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shiny, i would definately ring the hospital and get a hospital LMC.
If you manage to find a private midwife you can transfer easily, but you should really arrange someone to look after you now. Doctors visits are free if they relate to your pregnancy .. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 1:00pm
| I can't really add anything but just check with your docs about their charging. My GP is free for maternity related visits, however, I had to go to a different doc one weekend and it had a notice on the desk saying maternity would be charged as any other normal visit which I thought was really off. But most places are free. |
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 2:13pm
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Hey there,
A GP is def free up to 12-13 weeks but am now thinking you may have to be a registered patient of theres to claim funding which may be why the after hours one was charged. I would def be ringing your GP and ask why you were charged. You can always ask to speak to the nurse as they usually know about the pricing etc. Also check out www.wellingtonmidwives.com -------------
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 2:24pm
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I know that Kapiti Midwives have spots - a friend of mine is using them. It may be a bit of a way out for you but they are lovely and if you can't find anyone else, maybe worth a shot?
Did you try Michel Sangalli? I am going through him. He is expensive but worth a shot?? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 4:30pm
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I had the same issue and didn't find one until about 13 weeks. I went with the first one I could get (which was the 20th collective I rang).
My advice - ring the maternity resource centre close to you, the college of midwives if you have one (as the lecturers have to have x amount of patients to keep registration) or lastly, the hospital will ALWAYS take you regardless. |
Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 8:03pm
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Hi Shiny
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I know what Wgtn is like for finding a midwife - we live here as well and I've just been through the process of finding one for Christmas!! I know they are very hard to get. I have friends who've used the hospital midwives and have found them great. I would suggest giving them a call because even if you find someone down the track and swap I'm sure they would be able to see you for your first appointment and give you all the info and scan referrals / blood test stuff you need. I hope you find someone soon. If you need some face to face support just pm me. I'd be happy to meet you for a coffee (or whatever other drinks you can keep down!!). |
Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 04 May 2009 at 8:08pm
| The other option i just thought of is calling MATPRO. Their phone number is 801 7307. My understanding is that they will help you find a midwife if you are having trouble. I certainly got up to date phone numbers (and second options when the first didn't work) from them. |
Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 12:47pm
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i have contacted the hospital midwives. They will see me after 15 weeks. (end of june).
still feeling like i have no idea what i'm doing. I gave up drinking, i cut back coffee - but what else? surely there's some info pack or something on what i should be doing? Should i stop snorting coke or not? |
Posted By: Mrs_B
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 12:59pm
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Yeah snorting coke is probably not such a bright idea but heard injecting into your eyeball is okay....
I am kidding of course!! Did you get a Bounty pack from your doctor? Probably not if they don't do maternity care. Have a look at this website: http://www.bounty.co.nz/home/home I think a lot of first time mums have no idea what they are doing - me for one! Basically the internet and the library became my friend. -------------
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Posted By: littlestar
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 1:19pm
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Also - probably worth having a look at the food safety booklet - you can download a copy off the NZFSA website
http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/low-immunity-child-pregnancy/pregnancy-food-safety/ Otherwise this website is a useful place to start - there are loads of people online all the time and someone always knows the answer! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 2:20pm
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There's a NZ Pregnancy Book - head into Whitcoulls and get a copy. It's great being NZ based and gives you all the relevant, up to date info.
And CONGRATULATIONS!!! ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 4:50pm
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Congratulations to begin with. I was of the understanding that anything related to your pregnancy was free through your GP. I can't remember if my first appointment was with doc but I'm sure it was. As for mw appointment I didn't have my first appointment until I was 14weeks so don't stress if you don't see anyone until then. I had two conversations on the phone with my mw before I actually saw her, both on the same day. One of them was just saying that she would send out the forms to refer me to have my dating scan done, and that was about it. First appointment purely consisted of medical history filling out forms to book into hospital, weight bp etc nothing overly exciting. Went for my dating scan when I was 12 weeks so they were able to do the nuchal scan at the same time. GP sent me for my first lot of bloods. Look through the different forums on here. Join the month your due forum and find others to chat to at the same point as you if there are 2nd time mums on there they will be able to help out a bit too. Try kiwi families website not sure of the site address. This site has quite a few ideas and helps etc. Good luck! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 7:19pm
the problem is, i don't know the question. for example, I just stumbled apon a section of a website entitled "aromatherapy" where it mentions i shouldn't be having hot spa baths -- i have been doing this, because it helps the pain. If i hadn't read the aromatherapy info, i wouldn't have known it's all a giant scavenger hunt to find the warnings hidden across the web. |
Posted By: shiny
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 7:22pm
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thanks everyone -- i'll keep reading reading reading around trying to find all the do and do not info.
(and i'll go find that book Flissty recommended pronto). |
Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 7:37pm
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Big congrats on your pregnancy and it is a shame they can only see you at 15 weeks but for now:
Do a search on the internet for foods to avoid: Important ones is not to eat anything that is in deli's or been prepared beforehand. Anything like cottage cheese ect if you open it consume it on the same day. All meat needs to be cooked thoroughly and no to any raw or even medium cooked food and it needs to be eaten piping hot. Then if you get sick dont take any medication without seeing the dr. Panadol is fine to take but you cant overdose on it. Dont even take natural remedies unless you see a dr and he okays it. Extreme hot baths is not allowed as it raises your temp too much. You can continue to exercise but take it easy. Dont do too much and when you get tired take it easy. If you experience any bleeding get yourself into a DR or A&E immediately. And for now just relax and you can do some reading. There is some great information out that goes on about how your baby develops each week. Also see your GP to get a referral for the 12 week scan where they check for certain things and ask for more information about these tests. Also get a bloodtest done. Your GP will know which ones should be done. No drinking of alcohol. Smoking and drugs is bad for baby. Limited amoutns of caffeine (certain teas have this in as well as well as certain drinks ect) Hope it helps. And if you are unsure then ask any of the people on here. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: tiptoes
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 8:16pm
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Hi Shiny, I can't really help with the midwives but wanted to say come and just over to the due in threads (I'm guessing you're late November/early December) and come chat with us as it's great talking to others who are at the same stage as you and we all help each other out with useful info we find.
I've got the Up the Duff book by Kaz Cooke which is a nice easy read fun book with plenty of info week by week. Maybe just flick through a couple and get the feeling of them and pick the one that appeals the most. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">  
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Posted By: linda
Date Posted: 07 May 2009 at 8:55pm
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Just to confirm with the GP's. I went to the GP for a scan referral when I was six weeks, paid and then went again when I was 8 weeks. When the receptionist realised I was pregnant she told me that all GP visits were free until 12 weeks because from 12 weeks on you should have your LMC (realise this is not the case for you). She refunded me for my first visit. I had no idea it was free but it was great that she told me (sure it means heaps of paperwork for them!)
Also, do MW's do waiting lists? I had an OB who worked with the Wellington Hospital midwifes and found them to be brilliant. Good Luck ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Alex 6 and Harry 8 |
Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 11:42pm
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Congratulations!
Have you looked for a midwife in Porirua? Not too far out of wellington, and it's where i found mine in the end (Birth Options). IAlso maybe look in Lower Hutt as well - assuming you have transport. Big hugs to you cos i can imagine how scary it must be for you right now  ------------- |
Posted By: littlestar
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 9:26am
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Yeah - its hard to know where to start (there are all sorts of things you never realised were important)
Pick up a book from the shops or a library - I bought the 'what to expect when you are expecting' and was given a copy of the NZ pregancy book. I felt heaps more comfortable after reading through them. Also - go to the bounty website and order a bounty pack - its got a little book in it what covers pregnancy week by week and its free!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 9:31am
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Shiny - I would go down the local library and get a couple of books out........i would recommend "what to expect when expecting"
Also keep an eye out on the mums meet ups as i think a lot of us newly preg ladies in Wellington area will be organising a meet up (and of course other people are welcome not just pregos) But you might notice theres actually quite a few of us all due arounnd Nov, Dec & Jan from Wellington so that will be really good to get to know people with babies the same age Good luck, it can be very daunting and frustrating if you dont know what your doing and where to start etc.........alot of stuff is common sense though, and the food thing you prob know now that you have been on the website.........Oh and theres always Healthline.........0800 611 116 , nurses who are on 24/7 to answer any worries you may have and let you know if you need to go to docs or hospital |
Posted By: LG
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 9:47am
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Congratulations on your pregnancy Shiny! I was in the same position as you, my GP visits were free up to 12 weeks and then i went through the antenatal clinic at the hospital. One of the many MWs i phoned put me on to the AN clinic and i stayed with that until 30 weeks and then an independant MW found a spot for me.
My Dr gave me the Bounty pack info and recommended books etc for me to use (i got the NZ pregnancy one too). AN clinic referred me for my scans too. Maybe phone the hospital and see if they have an AN clinic? Got a bit confusing seeing different people each time and being given different advice but it worked out okay I kept phoning all the MWs every couple of weeks to see if any spaces had come up with people moving or whatever. Hope you get one soon, i agree though, reading all the information about a LMC is depressing when you dont have one. I found coming on here helpful -------------  Angel Baby Aug '12, Feb '13 |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 1:45pm
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Hi shiny, go to your GP it is free when you are pg & they will send you of for a free scan, you are entitled to the same free care all the other pg woman are getting.
So don't go with out, sounds like you need someone to talk to & once you have had a scan & see the little one that has taken over your body things will feel different. |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 2:53pm
| Just re. the spa bath thing....I asked my MW about this, as we got married when I was almost 12 weeks and the hotel room had a spa and maaaaaan was I looking forward to it. She said it was fine as long as it wasn't too hot, and if I felt my heart rate picking up or I started to sweat, then time was up. I had it quite warm and managed to stay in there for about 20 - 25 minutes reading a book before I started to sweat and then I got out. |
Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 3:11pm
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Maternity care with a dr. is definately free! Not sure if this sute has been mentioned already, but i found that here....www.mama-maternityinfo.co.nz
I felt like you at the start also. I had no midwife, and still don't have one! I do have one lined up from 30 weeks onwards so I still feel lost at times. I used this web site a lot and relied on the internet, but always limited my searches to NZ pages. Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: Kirstine
Date Posted: 10 May 2009 at 1:54pm
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Not all GP's are free for early pregnancy appointments. Before I got a LMC, I rang to make and appointment with my GP and luckily I double checked with the receptionist if there was no charge, as she said I had to pay normal fee. My sister who is GP couldn't believe it as the practice she worked for was free, so rang them and investigated again for me, and they said didn't bother taking up the agreement to provide free care as they would loose money on it as the $150 per person subsidy wasn't enough.
Anyway enough about that - all the best for you during your pregnancy, there are a lot of resources out there, some of it is just common sense really. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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