As part of Dr Parashar's management of your pregnancy, Kate Couper & Kristin Gosling will also provide guidance and support to you. They has extensive experience as a midwifes and will be a valuable source of information to you.

What is the role of the midwife in the practice?

Midwives are specially trained in all aspects of pregnancy, birth and up until 6 weeks following the birth. Our midwives have a wealth of experience and knowledge and work in collaboration with the rest of the team in providing midwifery care to the women and families of our practice. They provide an in-home antenatal appointment usually around 28-34 weeks and postnatal support including home visiting when you have been discharged from hospital with your baby.

What happens during the home antenatal visit?

Dr Parashar will send a referral to the midwife and she will contact you to arrange a visit. She will then schedule an appointment in your own home at a convenient time to fit in with you. The appointment will last for around 90 minutes and she will do a full midwifery assessment and talk about your plans for birth.

How can you get more information about feeding your baby?

The visiting midwives will discuss your feeding choices during the home antenatal visit with an emphasis on preparation to breastfeed. As lactation specialists with many years of experience in advising, guiding and supporting women with feeding their babies, they are very happy to answer any of your questions.

Who will be your midwife at the birth?

You will be cared for by midwives who are employed at your choice of hospital during labour, at birth and during your stay at the hospital. Our midwives will not be involved in this part of your care.

What happens when you are discharged from hospital with the baby?

Dr Parashar will let the midwife know that you have gone home and she will contact with you within a few days following discharge. The timing of her home visit depends on your needs and how your breastfeeding is progressing. You can contact her if you have any concerns once you are back home.

What happens during the postnatal home visit?

Home visits usually lasts around an hour with the emphasis on breastfeeding support and advice. Our midwife will also discuss your recovery, birth debrief, baby weight and do a full check of the baby. There are always lots of questions from new parents at this stage and a home visit provides a great opportunity to talk about your concerns in the privacy of your home.