OBSTETRICS
Before Pregnancy
Prior to falling pregnant, it is recommended to have a full medical check-up to make sure that you are in optimal health to improve the chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby.
In your appointment I will review any medications and medical history, and develop a plan with you to optimise your health prior to conceiving.
A full set of pre-pregnancy blood tests and any vaccinations needed prior to pregnancy will be discussed and arranged. I will also recommend what pre-pregnancy vitamins, minerals and supplements are best for you depending on your blood test results and medical history.
I can also arrange carrier screening and subsequent genetic counselling if needed.
If you have had trouble conceiving, then I will arrange infertility investigations and look at holistic ways to improve your chances of successfully conceiving. In addition to medical investigations and treatment, I work with other allied and complimentary health practitioners to ensure your care is comprehensive and integrative.
For women who have had multiple miscarriages, I know personally how heartbreaking and difficult it can be to suffer these pregnancy losses. In addition to a comprehensive medical management plan and investigations for the recurrent losses, I also provide sensitive care that supports both psychological and emotional health, to make the next steps in your parenthood journey a little easier and less stressful.
Pregnancy
Having a baby is one of the most exciting and special times in your life, if you are considering starting a family or are newly pregnant – congratulations!
I have been very fortunate to experience pregnancy and childbirth myself – which gives me a unique perspective as an obstetrician and a mother.
I have two beautiful children both born at Sydney Adventist Hospital (known as the “SAN”) so I know exactly the journey you are going through and how well you will be cared for there.
So that I can provide exceptional one on one care, I only practice at one location (Sydney Adventist Hospital) and book small numbers, limiting the number of deliveries each month. I also live locally and have rooms next to the hospital, so I am close by for deliveries and care.
I know it is a privilege to care for pregnant women and their families and one that I take very seriously. I provide professional, holistic care that is supportive, collaborative and based on the best evidence and current practices available.
Over the course of your antenatal visits, I will discuss all aspects of pregnancy care with you and explore what your wishes and preferences are for the safe delivery of your baby.
I always perform an ultrasound at every visit and have the latest model GE ultrasound machine that can perform 3D and 4D images. You have the option of saving them on a USB drive, or I can print them off for you to keep.
I understand that there is a lot to learn and prepare before having a baby, so each month in my rooms I have a “Mothers Group” morning tea for my expectant and recently delivered mothers.
These are informal events where you can connect with other women in similar stages of their pregnancy journey. There is also a different guest speaker each month (lactation consultant, midwife or women’s physiotherapist) that are happy to share their knowledge and answer any questions on the day.
Regardless of how you deliver your baby, be it a vaginal birth, assisted vaginal birth or caesarean section, I have specialised training to provide all of the different ways to deliver your baby safely. I am also happy to support water births and maternal assisted caesarean sections.
After your delivery I will visit you in the maternity ward to make sure that you are recovering well from your delivery, and are well cared for. After you go home, I will follow-up with you at a 6 week post-natal appointment, discuss contraception, perform a cervical screening test if needed and provide ongoing post-natal care.
Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional change, these changes can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming. I am uniquely placed as an obstetrician that prior to commencing medical school, I trained and worked as a psychologist. This additional training and experience means I can support and help my patients in a way not many other obstetricians can.
As one of my private patients, you will always be able to contact my rooms by phone or email and ask questions at any time. I pride myself on being available for my patients during their pregnancy, birth and post-natally and supporting them during this special time.
