‘Mums and bubs’ consultations
Want to have the time to delve deeply into issues that are stopping you from enjoying the transition to motherhood? Having difficulties with breastfeeding or your baby’s sleep? Then my mums & bubs consults are for you. An hour for the initial consult, with 30 mins for any follow ups, these consults allow us the time to address multiple concerns and develop a thorough plan to manage them. As a GP accredited in neuroprotective developmental care (the Possums programs – ndcinstitute.com.au) and as a mum, I know how important it is to have the right support in this special time of life. These consults are in addition to your usual 6 week postnatal check and your baby’s routine Blue Book checks and immunisations. Typical issues that are addressed in these consults include (but are not limited to):
- feeding difficulties (breast or bottle) – fussy feeding behaviour, concerns about tongue tie, concerns about milk supply, breast/nipple pain, recurrent mastitis
- unsettled infant behaviour
- concerns about baby’s (or your) sleep
- difficulty with the transition to parenthood
- concerns about a baby with ‘colic’ or ‘purple crying’
- concern about baby’s weight gain
- finding your feet and enjoying your time as a new mum
- any other concern that arises along the postnatal journey
Antenatal Shared Care
- Dr Kate can oversee your pregnancy care in cooperation with obstetricians and midwives at The Wollongong Hospital; your baby will be delivered at Wollongong Hospital under the care of duty midwives/doctors (if you are interested in having a home birth, application to the Midwifery Group Program is recommended)
- For an uncomplicated pregnancy you will see the hospital clinic at ~12-14 weeks, 34 and 40 weeks; and Dr Kate for the rest of your antenatal care
- This schedule of visits varies depending on any complications that arise, and if this a subsequent uncomplicated pregnancy then you may have reduced routine check ups
- Please book a LONG (30 mins) antenatal/pregnancy appointment for the first doctor’s appointment of your pregnancy, to allow time to answer your questions and for a thorough initial assessment
- For subsequent appointments, a standard 15 min antenatal appointment can be booked, unless you have additional concerns to discuss outside of the routine pregnancy check
Postnatal Care
- Please book a long appointment for your baby’s 1 week newborn check, for your 6 week postnatal check and your baby’s 6 week check/immunisations
- Dr Kate encourages new mums to book in for a consult to discuss concerns at any stage – this does not have to wait until 6 weeks postpartum
- The 6 week postnatal review includes discussion about your birth experience and recovery, a check of any wounds, advice on contraception, follow up of any pregnancy complications, assessment of any symptoms of concern and information about services and resources that can be of use to new parents in the local area
Other available services
- pre-conception counselling and pregnancy planning
- newborn checks
- childhood immunisations and developmental reviews (Blue Book checks)
- breastfeeding support
- infant sleep consultations
- assessment of cry-fuss problems in infants
- general paediatric concerns
- adolescent health
- contraceptive advice and prescription
- Implanon (the rod) insertion, removal and replacement
- Removal of IUDs
- menopause management
- problems with periods
- cervical screening
- STI screening
- travel medicine and vaccinations
- medical termination of pregnancy (MS2Step)