It’s been a few weeks now since I’ve given birth. Patty’s napping and Katie is at daycare. I have some quiet time so I thought about writing. I did promise to share my pregnancy journey here in New Zealand and here it is.

Just a small caveat that I’m writing from my personal experience,and that this,in general, is what most mothers go through here in NZ.

Care before birth

Once I got the positive result from my pregnancy test,I immediately booked an appointment with my GP at the medical center.The GP then had me take a urine and blood test,both to confirm the pregnancy and check on my blood levels. I was also prescribed Folic Acid and Iron to take for the duration of the pregnancy.

We then talked about care options for me for the next nine months. I could go with a midwife (this is free),or a private OB/GYN (fees applicable every visit). Of course I went with the free option! I had to look for my midwife on my own, and would only get referred if I could not find one.

Looking for a midwife was quite challenging for a new resident like me. I looked up midwives located near our house (https://www.findyourmidwife.co.nz), checked out their experience and call them up if they can take me on. The midwife will take you on if they have free slots around the time of your due date. So it’s really best that you book them as soon as you learn you are pregnant.

You could also ask friends if they can recommend you to their midwife,and again,this is subject to their availability.

Fortunately,the first midwife on my list was available for April. Although her office was located about 10 kms away,it was fine with me since I can just drive over. We had a very good first meeting–a quick test to check sugar and hormone levels,discussed my history and how often we will meet. I really felt comfortable with my midwife.

We met at least once a month for regular check ups. Once I got to 30 weeks,we started meeting every week. We started talking about birth plans, breastfeeding and last minute preparations.

Around three weeks before giving birth,my midwife got me registered into the hospital and got me an appointment with the doctor. This was when it was decided we had to do a C-section. So our birth plans changed.

The Big Day

On the day itself, JP and I checked into the hospital at 7 am. By around 9 I was already prepped for my C-section. But it wasn’t until around 12pm that we started. My widwife was with us in the delivery room. Assuring both JP and myself about what was happening. Once Patty was out,she made sure my transfer to the ward had no issues.

Patty was brought to my room almost immediately so we can start bonding and get her to latch on to me.

This was very different from my experience with Katie, as I didn’t get to hold her until the day after birth, when I was able to walk.

Another thing, here in New Zealand, no one is allowed to stay with the mother overnight (unless the mother is really unable to care for her baby). This was quite difficult for me, having to be alone with Patty, with my CS stitches still fresh. Every movement was a struggle.

I was up almost all night, trying to get Patty to latch. It was seriously frustrating for me, until the midnight nurse suggested I give Patty some formula. I was so grateful for that!

JP,some family and friends visited me, and I took those opportunities to catch up on sleep. I let them take care of Patty for a bit.

The nurses and midwives also did rounds regularly, checking if I was hungry, checking my stitch, and making sure Patty was doing well.

Going home

After three days, we were finally allowed to go home. Throughout my stay,my midwife visited everyday, making sure Patty and I were doing alright.

Up until Patty was six weeks old, my midwife visited us at home. She took Patty’s measurements, checked on my stitches and gave me some painkillers. Her last task for me was to enlist us in Plunket which takes over monitoring children until they are of school age.

Big difference

I would have to say my pregnancy experience here in New Zealand was really different than my previous one. Here,midwives become your primary care provider. I recall meeting the doctor only four times: twice before my due date, the actual delivery and before I went home.

There is also an emphasis on getting Mum to bond immediately with the baby. But in my opinion,leaving the mother alone overnight with baby in the room was a bit too much. Personally,I found it very difficult. In the hours after giving birth I had a hard time moving. Carrying Patty made it so much more painful. I would have appreciated if I had someone there to be with me.

As with most countries,breastfeeding is encouraged. But I’m glad that I was not pressured into it during those first few nights. I gave Patty some formula to supplement my milk.

Oh, did I mention that all these–midwife services, pregnancy vitamins, checkups, scans (except those non-compulsory ones), C-section,hospital stay were all FREE! JP did complain about the parking fees he incurred when he visited me. In the Philippines, this would have easily cost $5,000 (or more).

But overall, this was an eye-opening experience for us. It gave me a view of how the medical system works here in NZ. It’s not perfect, but for me at least, it was good.