So, you are having a Baby in the Blue Mountains!
Congratulations!!!
You have picked a wonderful place to raise a family.
So many decisions to make after you see those 2 positive lines on that test.
I want to make it a little easier for you, so I have created this pathway to help you navigate some of the choices around your care and accessing local services.
Click on the Links below to take you to further information and resources.
Choosing your care:
CLICK HERE to see the options available to your family here in the Blue Mountains.
CLICK HERE for a run down on the different models of care to help you make your decision
CLICK HERE for a blog specifically answering questions around Private Midwifery Care
Additional Support:
Aside from your chosen model of care and practitioners you may want to consider other support to compliment that care.
CLICK HERE to see where you can access additional childbirth Education
CLICK HERE for local Physiostherapists and others who facilitate strengthening your body during pregnancy and beyond.
CLICK HERE to search complimentary therapies such as Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Naturopathic support.
CLICK HERE to search our directory of local Doulas. A very valuable addition to your support team.
Capturing the Moments:
It has become increasingly popular to hire a photographer to capture these moments of pregnancy, birth and the newborn period. Such memories should be captured and treasured.
CLICK HERE to search local photographers specialising in these areas of photography.
Once Baby has Arrived:
Depending on the model of care you have chosen, your postpartum care may differ.
You are always welcome (and encouraged) to contact the local Community Nurses and engage with the free services they offer.
Click here for drop in clinic times and venues-
To book an at home or clinic appointment call the number found in the above links.
You can have all your blue book appointments with these nurses as well as book in for immunisations.
Lots of referrals can be made from these appointments. Including Counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, optical and speech development support. A relationship with the local community nurses can greatly facilitate your transition to Motherhood.
CLICK HERE for Lactation support
CLICK HERE to look at physical support options as you support your body in recovering from pregnancy and birth. You may also be in need of physiotherapy for your baby in some cases.
CLICK HERE for complimentary therapies that can assist you and in some cases your baby in recovering from pregnancy and birth.
Postpartum check:
Be sure to book in to see your local GP at 6 weeks.
If you haven’t found a local GP yet. Ask around about who our parents use and love. A good GP is worth searching for and personal recommendation is often key to finding one.
CLICK HERE to see my blog on what you should cover at this 6-week check-up (still to come).
I strongly advise a double appointment if you can, so you can cover all the needs surrounding both you and your baby during this visit. Don’t dismiss yourself, as many mothers do. This appointment is about YOU also.
The 6-week check-up can also lead to good referrals such as Physio and counselling should that be needed (I think most of us probably do).
Parenting Classes:
Learning to parent is an ongoing life skill is it not.
CLICK HERE to go to our What’s on Page
where I list local Parenting courses when they are running. There are lots of great classes here in the mountains that facilitate empowerment as a parent and connection with other local parents.
Emergency Support:
Becoming a parent can be the catalyst for a lot more stress.
If you are really struggling… If your mental Health is struggling, or perhaps your relationship is becoming difficult, if finances are stressful or perhaps you are in a bad situation that you need advice on how to navigate…
CLICK HERE to search the local support and emergency services available to you.
There is help available so please reach out and don’t struggle alone.
Further Resources and Support:
I truly hope that you enjoy this journey, that you feel supported in what is a massive transition be it your first or your 5th.
Welcome to this beautiful community, we are glad to have you and your family in it!
A few Facebook pages/groups that you might want follow/join include:
Blue Mountains Mummy’s and Mummy’s to be
Blue Mountains Natural Parents
What’s On Blue Mountains
Ask Roz
As well as my pages of course:
to keep up to date with what’s on for you and your family and engage with other families online.
where I share a bit more openly about Motherhood and creating an enriched Motherhood experience.
subscribe for a monthly email keeping you in the loop of things you may have missed.
When you are more settled and ready to start getting out and connecting with the community around you…
CLICK HERE to access the pathway I have created to help you navigate the groups and child friendly destinations and support listed on this Website.
Never hesitate to reach out and contact me.
It is just me on the end of your email, so if I don’t reply straight away don’t be discouraged. It is just me juggling life, but I do look forward to connecting with you.
Blessings,
Rachel xx
