Midwife explains role

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 282, 11 April 1989, Page 5

Midwife explains role

BY myra MacGibbon The role of the new Community Midwife will not require her to be a 'Superwoman', Waiouru Midwife Libby Tuthill told the Bulletin last Friday.

To answer queries from Waiouru residents she is planning to talk to any interested women's groups here. The role of the Community Midwife will be to arrange with expectant mothers the choice of hospital where their baby will be delivered and in some cases, if required, an early discharge arrangement. If an early discharge has been arranged on returning home mother and baby will receive twice daily visits from the midwife and during these visits she (the midwife) will answer any question the mother may have, carry out the various tests necessary, demonstrate baby bathing tech-

niques and post natal exercises. It is a possibility that some other services may be available during the first five days such as a nappy service, and a mother help should the need arise. After the fifth day, the daily visits by the midwife and the 24 hour on-call service can continue, to help with any problems that may come up to do with either the baby or mother. Her other duties will include ante-natal and relaxation classes, parent craft classes and post natal exercise classes. The midwife will work in closely with the plunket nurse,

being available when the plunket nurse is not in Waiouru. Libby Tuthill said Waiouru women should not worry that they might be left stranded if the unexpected happens and the roads are closed, or the Ambulance is unavailable. She said the midwife will be able to do home deliveries.

"Naturally enough we are all afraid of the unknown, but everything will be provided to ensure the safety of both mothers and babies in Waiouru, and there is more than one Midwife available at all times," said Mrs Tuthill. "It is sad to see the annex close, but it is very hard to be enthusiastic about a job when noth-

ing is happening," she said. Libby said she has found it frustrating being confined to the Annex when she knows help is needed in the community. She said women should feel free to call the Annex with any queries on the new service.