To Our Wonderful Clients and their Families

MMC Midwives have been in discussion regarding the coronavirus and how it will impact our model of care.

Please read the following information and recommendations.

We have included additional resources to assist you and your family during this challenging time.

We would like to advise you of the following

We have made the decision to keep providing midwifery care:

• Attending antenatal visit:  Face-to-face visits will be limited to 15 minutes to take your blood pressure and to assess your baby’s growth with the remainder of the visit via phone.

We will bring minimal equipment into your home and will be dressed to minimise the potential to transmit infection.

• Where possible Tele-health visits will be attended.

• Supporting women during their hospital birth where the woman’s partner has elected not to be present for the birth. Hospitals are limiting support during labour to one person.

• Providing homebirth.

• Attending essential face-to-face postnatal visits and otherwise Tele-health visits during the postnatal period. 

• To ensure the safety of the client, the midwives will not be accepting bookings if the client is over 36 weeks. 

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family.

We recommend that the pregnant woman considers herself to be in 'lockdown' except for essential pregnancy appointments from 32 weeks

We will be making changes to the way we do things in line with the advice we are being given. This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE) – goggles, overshirts or gowns, masks and wipe-able shoes. This is for our and your family’s protection and aimed at minimising the spread of coronavirus.

If one of the midwives in the group becomes unwell, they will be unavailable to provide care. Your midwife will contact you and provide you with advice & alternative arrangements for your continued pregnancy and birthing care.

We want to remain well to continue to provide care, however if our workforce is unable to provide two midwives for a homebirth we will have no alternative but to transfer a woman’s care to the nearest public maternity service.

Looking after yourself & your family

Pregnancy, birth, being a new parent and breastfeeding can be daunting at the best of times. It is very apparent that this current Pandemic situation is putting families under considerable stress, not only financially but emotionally and psychologically.

Melbourne Midwifery Collective recognises that midwifery support & advice is crucial at this time, to allay fears and anxiety in the present and future uncertainty. Whilst we are only a phone call way, you may wish to seek further support from trained psychologists and / or counsellors.

Listed below are recommended psychologists and counsellors who specialise in pregnancy, birth and families. They are all experienced in providing guidance in a midwifery and homebirth context. 

All practitioners can provide on-line and telephone consultations. You may also be eligible for Medicare rebates or reduced fees.

Discuss this with the practitioners as you may require a Mental Health Plan from your GP.

Dr Aude Plontz is a consultant psychologist and can be contacted at the Victorian Counselling & Psychological Services. 

Dr Yoko Hayashi is a clinical psychologist and can be contacted at Blue Oak Psychology on her mobile 0401772874 or at the Centre for Perinatal Psychology.

Looking for on-line Childbirth Education?

Birth Ready is a Childbirth Education forum who is offering an on-line Peer Learning and Support Circle beginning April 2nd. Please click on the link for details. 

We are living in very difficult times and as you are aware advisories are being updated daily. Please contact your midwife if you have further questions or concerns.

Look after yourselves, your loved ones and stay safe