A detailed look at what we do.
Obstetrics
What to expect:
Your first obstetric consultation with me will typically be when you are at about 7 – 8 weeks pregnant. At that consultation we’ll discuss any medical and clinical history and I’ll do a dating scan to give an accurate idea of when your baby will be born. I’ll order routine, relevant prenatal genetic tests and we’ll discuss any questions or concerns you may have. It’s a great idea to have your partner or support person come along with you when they are able.
Pathway:
Most pregnancies take a similar pathway with monthly visits until you are around 28 weeks, fortnightly until 36 weeks then every week until birth. This can change if it’s a twin pregnancy or if there are other reasons for more frequent visits. I scan at each visit and this routine surveillance enables me to track the progress of your baby with greater accuracy and reassurance. Patients who have experienced difficulties with fertility or in previous pregnancies are encouraged to let us know if they’d like to come more often, simply for reassurance. No extra costs are involved in extra visits and the reassurance of seeing their baby on the screen and witnessing it’s heartbeat can be some of the best reassurance my model of health care can provide. How you deliver your baby will be discussed in our consultations and I encourage you to ask as many questions and for as much advice as you feel you need. The only silly question is the one you don’t ask !
Labour and Delivery:
All my patients are delivered here at the Epworth Freemasons Maternity hospital. At times, if all is well with you and your baby, it’s possible to transfer from the Post Natal Ward to the Hospital in the Hotel scheme at the Hyatt. You may have birthing preferences which I will always respect. There are so many variables at play on any given day and at any time that it’s wise and realistic to remember that planning and controlling your labour and birthing experience is often not possible. Trusting who you have engaged to help you through pregnancy and birth is one of the best things you can do to ensure a great outcome. I will always work towards both you and your baby being well, healthy and strong. All my decision making around your pregnancy are to this end.
Gynaecological Services
Your GP may refer you for a number of reasons including advice on contraception, heavy bleeding, abnormal test results, chronic pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis.
I would normally take a detailed history of the presenting problem and then perform a detailed pelvic ultrasound to assess for a multitude of pathologies that may be causing your symptoms.
The treatments will vary from medical to surgical options although I always try conservative treatments first prior to opting for invasive procedures.
A range of minimally invasive procedures for endometriosis, ovarian cysts and hysterectomies are carried out at the Epworth Freemasons Day procedure Centre if required.
Fertility
My fertility work is undertaken in partnership with City Fertility. Their brand new facility in East Melbourne has the latest state-of-the-art laboratory.
Fertility journeys can be stressful times for many people. There are no guarantees of success. But by proceeding methodically and using the latest scientific innovations in the lab we can certainly optimise your chances of conceiving and realising your dream of having a baby.
At a first visit with me we’ll discuss your full medical history and try to determine what fertility issues we’re facing. If you have a partner, I will ask them to attend too. If you are going solo, you are more than welcome to bring a support person if that is helpful to you. Testing may be needed and this can include blood tests, semen analysis and ultrasounds.
Treatment plans can be set up at the first consultation if you want to go ahead immediately but I also encourage everyone to consider all we’ve discussed to make sure assisted reproduction is for you.
Counselling with City Fertility nurses and psychologists helps step you through the process of assisted reproduction. They are there to support you and I encourage all my patients to benefit from all their combined training and experience.
The fertility journey is a challenging one but with my support and that of my team and my partners at City Fertility, we make having a child a real possibility.
Midwifery Care
I work closely with two independent Midwives, Janette and Mel of Smart Midwives. They offer a bulk billed service throughout your pregnancy and the six weeks of your post-delivery recovery. I encourage you to take advantage of their combined decades-long experience and their easy accessibility.
Janette and Mel take calls seven days a week from 8 am until 10 pm and both Janette and Mel have my private mobile number. They can escalate any issue with me at any time if they think it’s needed.
I encourage you to sit down with them at around 30 – 32 weeks for a Birth Chat. They’ll also be able to offer you the Whooping Cough and Flu vaccines as part of their bulk billed service. I’ve worked with the midwifery team here at Epworth for over two decades.
