Libby Tuthill-community midwife

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 409, 22 October 1991, Page 6

Libby Tuthill-community midwife

BY

JOANNA

SAUNDERS

Libby Tuthill, Waiouru's Community Midwife, is known by many mothers and mothers to be, but very few realise just how much work she really does. Libby has been in Waiouru for four years and apart from tending to the maternity needs she is also a councillor, supporter and district nurse. All these jobs as well as her role as midwife keeps Libby very busy. Waiouru is one of the few towns in New Zealand to have a com-

munity midwife, and therefore Libby has quite a free hand to do as she wishes. Dedicated to her job with all women who have been involved with pregnancy, Libby also helps those who have lost a child through one reason or another. Basic midwifery involves looking after a mother before the birth of the child and directly afterwards, but once the mother and child leave hospital normal mid-

wifery assistance stops. Community midwifery however continues until the mother decides she has had enough. Once leaving hospital after the birth of a child, Libby visits the mother and baby in their home until the child is a fortnight old, but it doesn't stop there. Libby runs a 'Mothers and Babies Group' which is a support group for new mothers. She provides friendly support-

ive discussion groups which run initially for twelve weeks, focusing on the mothers. Libby provides an accepting environment where women can share their experiences and feelings about the changes they are facing. The group aims at self help but also gives advice to the mother if needed. Libby herself is a mother of two and a foster mother to many more. To the babies of her support group she is the favourite aunt. Many women praise Libby for her dedication to her job and those who she cares for.