Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) will provide you with all or most of your antenatal care and will continue to look after you and your baby for 4-6 weeks after the birth. This is a very intimate and special time in your life, and you will want a supportive relationship with an LMC you can trust. You may rely on a recommendation from a friend to find an LMC, or you may need to interview several to find someone who matches your personality and birthing philosophy. Whomever you choose, remember that proper antenatal care is recommended for a successful and healthy pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor will be looking after the physical health of you and your developing baby, but will also be there to support your emotional and mental health through pregnancy and the first several weeks postpartum.
This partnership is meant to be in the best interest of you and your baby–your midwife or doctor should also include your whānau or other support person in this process if this is what you want. If, for any reason, you are unsatisfied with your LMC you can find someone new! However, it is recommended that if you decide to change your LMC it is best to do so early in the pregnancy to maintain continuity of care. If your LMC feels you need a higher level of care, she may refer you to a specialist.
In New Zealand, the costs for antenatal care are covered by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for primary maternity care. Specialist Obstetricians are NOT covered, unless you are referred to one due to complications in your pregnancy. Currently, about 80% of Lead Maternal Care in New Zealand is provided by midwives.