- Reference Number: HEY1114/2020
- Departments: Maternity Services
- Last Updated: 28 February 2020
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Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your team of midwives. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your midwife but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
Who will be looking after me during my pregnancy?
The Fern team is a team of midwives providing care to women with gestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy). They work as part of a wider team including consultant obstetricians, dieticians, specialist diabetic nurses, a team of sonographers and midwifery assistants. The aim of this model of care is so you can develop an on-going relationship of trust, have consistency before and after you have your baby and know the midwife who looks after you during birth.
Having continuity of your carer is associated with increased health outcomes for both mothers and babies including being 19% less likely to lose the baby, 24% less likely to have a premature baby, 15% less likely to have regional analgesia and 16% less likely to have an episiotomy.
Midwives in your team
You will also be cared for by a Community Midwife before and after your baby is born who is based near your home.
Other members of your team
You will also be cared for by your consultant obstetrician, dietician, specialist diabetic nurses, a team of sonographers, as well as:
| Caroline | Healthy Lifestyles Midwife in the Antenatal Clinic |
| Alison & Lorraine | Midwives on Maple Ward |
| Tracey, Donna, Dawn & Tina | Midwives on Rowan Ward |
| Pippa | Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife |
| Rachel & Jules | Midwifery Assistants on Maple Ward |
| Jill | Clinical Support Worker in the Antenatal Clinic |
The aim of the Fern Team is to provide you with seamless care throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth, as well as visiting you at home after your baby is born. Research shows us that women and babies have improved outcomes if they are cared for in this way.
When will I see my midwife?
You will have a combination of care between your consultant obstetrician and your team of midwives. You may also have antenatal care in a clinic close to where you live, this will be provided by your community midwife who will be working closely with the rest of the team.
How do I contact the midwives?
- If you have reduced / altered fetal movements or other pregnancy concerns: Call the Antenatal Day Unit on 01482 382729. The ADU is open 0830-2000 Monday to Friday and 0830-1700 Saturday and Sunday. Outside of these hours your call will automatically be diverted to the Antenatal Ward, so you will be able to speak to a midwife 24/7 for help or advice.
- If you have an urgent problem: For example, heavy bleeding call Labour Ward on 01482 384490
- If you think you may be in labour: Call Labour Ward on 01482 384490
We are looking forward to caring for you in your pregnancy.
