Congratulations on your pregnancy! We wish you well in your pregnancy and for the birth of your baby or babies.

Pregnancy is a time for considering a range of options and making choices. All pregnant women are expected to choose a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) to co-ordinate their care during pregnancy, birth and after the baby is born. The LMC you choose may provide all your maternity care, or may share your care with one or more practitioners.

If you choose a ADHB National Women's midwife as your lead maternity carer (LMC) we can offer you a comprehensive range of quality services and expertise based on choice, consistency and continuity.

At ADHB National Women's we recognise our partnership with Maori in developing services which sensitively and effectively meet the needs of Maori women. We also have a commitment to providing a quality service for the many different cultural groupings represented by women using the ADHB National Women's maternity service.

ADHB National Women's staff are available to support and assist women and to answer any questions.

An interpreting service is available.

At ADHB National Women's our experienced staff have a range of skills and expertise:

• Midwives: provide care during pregnancy, labour, birth and after the baby is born.
• Obstetricians: doctors who can provide care during pregnancy and birth but who specialise in the care of women whose pregnancy, labour or birth becomes complicated.
• Paediatricians: doctors who specialise in the care of babies, particularly those who are unwell or have special needs.
• Physicians: doctors who specialise in medical complications during pregnancy, birth and postnatally.
• Anaesthetists: doctors who give anaesthetics including epidurals for childbirth.
• Registrars: doctors training to be obstetricians, paediatricians or anaesthetists under supervision from a specialist.
• House Officers: doctors gaining experience in maternity care or paediatrics under specialist supervision.
• Nurses: work with midwives in some areas of the maternity service to provide care to women and babies.
• Neonatal nurses and neonatal nurse practitioners: look after newborn babies requiring specialist care.
• Social Workers: provide counselling and assistance for individuals, couples and families.
• Physiotherapists: provide a service to women experiencing physical problems related to pregnancy.
• Lactation Consultants: provide education and support for staff who assist women with breastfeeding and help mothers and babies when there are feeding difficulties, for example a premature or unwell baby.
• For information on Auckland DHB Pregnancy and Parenting Education (Antenatal Classes)

National Women's Website:
nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz