Looking for a Midwife in PTA for a homebirth.

Ashleigh, ditto what Spiral said. Your doula is your support person, your midwife is your medical person. Your doula is the one making sure the dogs stay outside, your bath is full, you are comfortable and tries to make sure things happen the way you want them to happen etc etc. This relationship starts during pregnancy and carries on till a few weeks after birth.

I'm not sure about the costs. My medical aid covers up to R16 000 for a birth whether its in hospital or out, and they promote the use of midwifes rather than gynies for uncomplicated pregnancies so I think they should cover a home birth in full.

Just in case, I used to be Anina and we chatted in the November 2010 thread. I changed my username because of some privacy issues.

Costs of homebirths vary from province to province. Here in W Cape it's about R6500. If you're on medical aids - be aware that they may not pay the full amount (but they'll happily pay in full for an unnecessary cs!!! go figure)
The role of a doula at a homebirth is to help the couple during the early stages of labour in that she'll come to your home & help you stay chilled, feed you, massage you, suggest optimal labour positions. She's also very good with pacing the labour so that you(or your other support people) don't wear yourselves out. She'll also help you keep your midwife informed so that the midwife will join you by the time active labour is in full swing. While the midwife is there the doula remains your main emotional support(with your partner) as your midwife needs to concentrate on providing medical care. After the birth the doula can support you in latching baby and generally she will see to it that you & hubby are nourished and tucked up in bed before leaving. Then she'll be available 24/7 on the phone for any niggles or concerns you have and within the next 2 weks she will come & do another homevisit to help you debrief about the birth & assist you in any other postnatal support you may require (any breastfeeding issues, bathing baby, sleep issues,etc)

Thank you for the replys. Will contact Heather.

What are the costs involved for a home birth?

Hasie - Thanks, I will keep you in mind. I'm trying to get as much info as a can. What is the roll of a duola?

Hey Ashleigh!!

Congrats on the pregnancy!! We miss you in the October group, come update us!

I'm a doula now, and would love to come assist you with a homebirth if you want a doula. Let me know. I agree with spiral that Heather Pieterse would be a good option, if she can't help you, she will be able to give you a name of someone who will. Let me know if you want me to come and visit to tell you more about homebirth.

congrats on considering homebirth - I was born at home and have had both my girls at home. You can try Heather Pieterse in PTA (not sure which areas she works in) but give her a try.082 8295309
Then you can also check out my homebirth website www.homebirth.org.za for SA homebirth stories

Hi Ladies,

I hope you can help me.

I have recently been considering a homebirth.

I'm looking for a midwife that works in the Pretoria East area.