Call for early calls to midwives
When women get pregnant they often think of calling their family to share the good news, but staff at the Awhi Clinic hope they will get a phone call too.
The clinic is giving away a free pamper pack to all expecting mothers. Those that book with a midwife, before they reach 12 weeks, will receive a bumper pamper pack to celebrate the occasion.
The most common birthdays for New Zealanders is between September 22 and October 1 about nine months from now - and Awhi House is preparing a few extra pamper packs just in case.
Jo Toma says mothers should contact a midwife ASAP (as soon as pregnant) to reap not only professional advice and guidance throughout pregnancy. The giftpack is an added incentive as part of a targeted campaign to bring new mothers into clinics earlier to assist.
‘‘Most woman will come to us at 20 weeks for their scan but it is best to see us earlier so we can talk about some changes that might need to be done,’’ Toma said.
‘‘We say [come and see us] as soon as you’re pregnant, as many women wait a few months when there is no need.’’
Awhi Midwives, and Jo Toma have delivered many new babies in Taupo.
Toma’s wall is adorned with multiple pictures of new-born babies and a reminder of the role midwives play leading up to the birth. Simple lifestyles changes can make big differences to babies.
‘‘We have some mothers that need to be on aspirins, or might want to talk about being smokefree, and the earlier we do that the better the difference for baby will be,’’ Toma said.
Taupo’s Awhi Clinic set up their Taupo clinic in August 2016 to create a central hub for pregnant women.
They have rooms for midwives to work out of as well as breast feeding and pregnancy massage rooms.
Demand for midwives has been increasing and the Awhi Clinic has expanded from its beginnings in Turangi to now include the Taupo clinic and beyond.
‘‘We have also expanded out services now to include Mangakino clinics on a Friday,’’ Toma said. ‘‘We are always looking for more midwives.’’