August/September 2011 mommies to be

Thanks Justine, it's always good to hear from someone who's had actual experience! I definitely feel I've made the right decision in using Birth Options.

I did A LOT of research before we actually started trying to fall pregnant and I found possibly the only gynae at constantiberg who supports private midwives...Dr Brink. So I had a check up with him in November and liked him. I know Glynnis and Ciska mostly work at Vincent Pallotti with Jackie and Dr Dumbrill but I really have my heart set on Constantiberg. I am very comfortable there as I've had all my Chemo and radiation therapy there as well as other ops. The care has always been above and beyond...and I think it'll be really impotant to feel comfortable during delivery....well, as comfortable as possible

My first appointment with Glynnis is on the 27th when I'll be 10 weeks. Then I'll also go to Kingsbury for the big 13wk scan. We're only a couple of days apart in our pregnancies so may well bump into each other at some point

I also don't want to have to wait so long till a scan so I booked one with Peek-a-Babe for this coming Monday. She's only going to charge R350 which I think is really reasonable seeing as she apparently spends ages with you and gives you a cd etc. Can't wait

Ciska delivered Ben and I went the antenatal classes with Glynnis. BOth are fantastic... good choice! We're almost neighbours, i am in Meadowridge.

There is also another amazing resource at Birth Options- Cred Thomson. She is wonderful. handled all the vaccinations/feeding advice/ weighing etc after he was born. she is so quietly supportive- she really makes you feel like you are doing a good job in those first weeks- which is what i needed to hear! and her fee is actually almost embarressing it is so reasonable. I'd spend an hour with her getting all sorts of useful advice and reassurance and it'd be R150 or something like that. Felt like daylight robbery to me.

anyway, regarding this gynaes- dont know if you already have one, but you need to choose one who is prepared to be back up to a midwife. very few of them actually will. you see if everything goes well and you dont have to call on them during the birth then they dont get paid for the delivery, even though they have to be on call. the gynaes who do support midwives either have a similar philosophy on birth (ie tend to be pronatural) or enjoy dealing with the difficult cases as they crop up. Glynnis/Ciska will give you a few names of those gynaes that will take you on even though you've hired a private midwife. My gynae's name is Jackie Searle at Vincent Pallotti and she was great.

Regarding when you see them...
I have an internal scan booked for Jan 18 just to check the heartbeat and reassure myself that its a viable pregancy. I will then go to the fetal assessment clinic at Kingsbury at ~13-14 weeks for the nuchal fold/downs scan. After that the gynae i think wants to see you at 20-22 weeks and then again at 36 weeks.

All other visits will be with the midwife- no scans. they actually feel whether the baby is lying the right way etc, test your urine for proteins, measure your BP... and use a doppler to measure baby's heart beat and response to prodding etc. i felt completely reassured after each midwife visit, even though you're not seeing baba on a scan.

Me too! My first appointment is with Glynnis I live in Diep River...just around the corner from their practice and only 1 km from Constnatiaberg....so nice and convenient. Do you know when they want you to see the gynae or doesn't it really matter? I heard you have to go for at least 2 gynae visits...is this right?

who is your midwife Skai?
Im with Ciska/Glynnis at birth options in Plumstead.

Hi everyone,

Amazing how many of us are going the midwife route in this group! I am also using private midwives and plan on giving birth at Constantiaberg. I have my first appointment on the 27th (@ 10weeks) and am really looking forward to it 2 of my friends are both currently seeing the same midwives and only have good things to say...

laliek just keep in mind that not all the midwives are based at Genesis. some of their rooms are at Linksfield or Parklane or you need to find out which day they see patients at Genesis An open day would be the best option since they'll all be there plus you get a free goodie bag!!
I will let you know when their next open day is as I get emails from them. I worked there a few days and it really is amazing

Laliek - glad I could assist
Justine - I had pethidene and antarax, and next time I want to do it without