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 Chapter 1
Preparing for Pregnancy
Information and support to plan for a child,
and support with getting pregnant
General
Disability
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Planning and support
Women's Health Centres
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Service Provider
These are non-government, community-based services which provide a holistic, woman-centred approach to health care and well-being. Services can include counselling, family planning clinics, and indigenous and/or migrant women's health. There are over 20 centres located throughout NSW. Outside Sydney, locations include Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Lismore, Newcastle, Bathurst, and Albury. Information on some individual women's health centres is included in this manual. The peak
body, Women's Health NSW, can provide details of your nearest women's health centre. Their details are:
Telephone 02 9560 0866
Email info@whnsw.asn.au
Address PO Box 341, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
FPA Health NSW
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Organisation
This non-profit organisation provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout NSW. Services include library with a whole section on disability resources, information service and fact sheets, sexual health care, and bookshop and health promotion services for professionals/ community. They provide material in a range of formats e.g. low literacy, print, audio. There are six offices across NSW. An unbiased, non-aligned/ independent service.
Web www.fpahealth.org.au
Telephone FPA Health line 1300 658 886
TTY 02 8752 4360
Telephone FPA Health Library
02 8752-4318
Email library@fpahealth.org.au
Address 328 Liverpool Road, Ashfield.
Preparing for Pregnancy –
Thinking It Through Booklet
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Book
A booklet on pre-pregnancy care and deciding if you're ready for pregnancy. Topics include: Thinking it Through, Your Career, The Financial Impact of Having a Baby, How to Make a Baby, Your Health, Medical Issues, Drugs, The Environment, Medical Care and Birthing Options, and Glossary, Further Reading, and Resources. Available online.
Web www.rwh.org.au/wellwomens/whic.cfm?doc_id=3451
Telephone 1800 442 007 TTY 03 9344 2849
Telephone 03 9344 2452 Library Resource Centre
Email whic@rwh.org.au
Deciding to Have a Baby?
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Information
This guide provides a helpful checklist for women to think about and discuss with their partner. The Royal Hospital for Women also holds workshops where you can explore these issues.
Web www.rhw.org.au Go to link on “Having a Baby” - “Preparing for Pregnancy”. Click on “The Choices are Yours” to find Checklist on above.
The Feminist Bookshop
Area Covered: Sydney metro area
Resource Type: Information, Bookshop
This bookshop has an extensive booklist on their website regarding topics like Pregnancy, Birth, Babies and Parenting. Topics include postnatal depression, loss of a child, raising children, what to expect with pregnancy, gay and lesbian parenting, infertility etc. They also have books on parenting with Asperger’s Syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, and parenting with a mental illness. Although the bookshop is not accessible to wheelchairs (large step at shop entry) the dedicated staff are
extremely helpful, responsive to email or telephone enquiries.
Web www.feministbookshop.com
Telephone 02 9810 2666
Email feministbookshop@iprimus.com.au
Address Shop 9, Orange Grove Place, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield, NSW 2040
Pregnancy Options Fact sheet
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Information
A range of unbiased, informative fact sheets with a woman-centred approach to looking at pregnancy options. Fact sheets include unplanned pregnancy, decision-making, exploring values, abortion, adoption and parenting. An independent, non-aligned service.
Web www.childrenbychoice.org.au
Life Events - Having a Baby
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Website
A NSW government portal providing comprehensive information and services in relation to starting a family. There are sections on planning a family, pregnancy, giving birth, and after the birth.
Web www.nsw.gov.au/baby
Adoption and Permanent Care Services [APCS]
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Service Provider
APCS is the branch of DOCS that provides services in NSW for people who are adopted and want to find out about their birth family, for birth parents who are making an adoption decision or who want to be in contact with their child, and for adoptive parents. For those interested in adopting, APCS run programs for local adoption and permanent care, adoption of children with special needs, intercountry adoption, and intrafamily adoption.
Web www.community.nsw.gov.au
Telephone 02 8855 4900
Email adoption@community.nsw.gov.au
Address Locked Bag 28 Ashfield NSW 1800
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IVF and reproductive health
Westmead Fertility Centre
Area Covered: Westmead & Western Sydney
Resource Type: Service Provider
A fully independent fertility clinic, running for over 20 years, who offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic services. A non-profit service, which means lower costs of treatment. An informative website includes guides to IVF treatment, service fees, FAQ, patient stories and information sheets to download. A comprehensive list of useful books and web links is available. A free patient information DVD is available [telephone to order a copy].
Web www.westmeadivf.com.au
Telephone 02 9845 7484
Address Ward B6D, Westmead Hospital,
Hawkesbury Road Westmead
NSW 2145
Sydney IVF
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Service Provider
A centre for infertility and IVF treatment. They provide information to better understand fertility, infertility and the treatments available at Sydney IVF. The website is very comprehensive. Contact details for each centre are available at the website, including contact forms. There are 13 centres around the state, including rural areas. Fees apply to medical services at Sydney IVF - call for details.
Web http://www.sydneyivf.com
Telephone 02 9229 6420
Address 321 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
ACCESS – Australia's National Infertility Network
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Peer Support
A national support group committed to promoting the well-being and welfare of all people affected by infertility. Provides a comprehensive list of fact sheets, newsletters, news archive, recommended readings, personal stories, and counselling. The Network can put you in touch with other people in your unique situation for support. Membership is required to access many of the services.
Web www.access.org.au
Telephone 02 9737 0158
Email info@access.org.au
Address 1 Thompson Avenue Newington NSW 2127
Concern
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Peer Support
Concern is a NSW patient support group for people experiencing infertility. They have monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month that cover a range of topics. They also provide telephone support, information, and have an extensive library on infertility.
Telephone 02 9417 2161
Address PO Box 1347
Parramatta NSW 2124
Reproduction Medicine - Albury
Area Covered: Albury & surrounding area
Resource Type: Service Provider
They provide reproductive services to all people who require assistance becoming pregnant. Infertility counselling is available.
Web www.reproductivemedicine.com.au
Telephone 02 6041 2677
Email giltrap@reproductivemedicine.com.au
Address 1082 Pemberton Street
Albury NSW 2640
IVF Australia
Area Covered: Sydney region & Central Coast
Resource Type: Service Provider
A network of local fertility clinics supported by a team of fertility specialists, scientists and nurses. IVF Australia provides a range of fertility treatment options - supporting women with an alternative means of becoming pregnant. Experienced fertility counsellors are available. Call IVF Australia for details on costs for medical services. They have 14 fertility centres across Sydney metro area and the Central Coast. They provide regular Public Information Evenings and Updates on (In) Fertility
issues across Sydney.
Web www.ivf.com.au
Telephone 1800 111 483
Address Central Office,
Level 1/24 Thomas Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
Fertility First –Centre for Reproductive Health
Area Covered: Hurstville & surrounding area
Resource Type: Service Provider
Fertility First offers a comprehensive range of medical, scientific and counselling services. They provide information and advice on fertility problems, preconception health program, and full assessment of male and female fertility. They offer the latest reproductive technologies. Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis is available. The website lists services, cost of services, fertility hints, and literature/videos held.
Web www.fertilityfirst.com.au
Telephone 02 9586 3311
Email fert1@fertilityfirst.com.au
Address 50-52 Gloucester Road Hurstville NSW 2220
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Donor conception
Australian Sperm Donor Registry [ASDR]
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Organisation
The ASDR is part of a privately owned business that was specifically designed to help women who want children to get in contact with men willing to donate sperm. ASDR do not store sperm. ASDR provide a database of potential donors that women can access for a fee. It is then up to the donor and the woman to decide how they proceed.
Web www.australianspermdonorregistry.net
Email asdrenquiries@optusnet.com.au
Address 5 Anna Street Parafield Gardens SA 5107
Donor Conception Support Group
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Peer Support
A support group for people considering or using donor sperm, egg, or embryo, those who already have children conceived on donor programs, adult donor offspring and donors. They have an extensive library of books, audio tapes, media articles and publications, videos and DVD's of TV shows, films and documentaries. These items can be borrowed by members only.
Web www.dcsg.org.au
Telephone 02 9793 9335
Email dcsg@optushome.com.au
Address Suite 3/17 Kitchener Parade Bankstown, NSW 2200
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Genetic Counselling
Genetic Counselling Services/Clinics in NSW
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Service Provider
NSW Health Services include genetic counselling: - providing individuals or family with information and support regarding health concerns that run in their family (genetically determined conditions). Such services are available at 8 major hospitals across Sydney, and 15 regional NSW locations.
Web www.genetics.com.au
Telephone 02 9382 1704 or your local hospital / Area Health Service to locate
genetic counselling service in your area.
Association of Genetic Support of Australasia Inc
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Peer Support
AGSA facilitate contact/support for families experiencing same/similar genetic conditions. They provide education, information and peer support. Services include an information officer, workshops, and telegroup counselling.
Web www.agsa-geneticsupport.org.au
Telephone 02 9211 1462
Email info@agsa-geneticsupport.org.au
Address 66 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
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Multicultural support
FPA Health Multicultural Services - Fairfield
Area Covered: Fairfield & South West Sydney
Resource Type: Service Provider
They provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for men and women of all ages. Especially cater for women from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds - new arrivals and refugee women. Interpreters are available on request. The Centre's team speak different languages.
Telephone 02 9754 1322
Address Suite 5, Level 2, Neeta City Shopping Centre, Smart Street, Fairfield
NSW 2165
Immigrant Women's Health Services Inc [IWHS]
Area Covered: Fairfield & Cabramatta areas
Resource Type: Service Provider
IWHS provide a free women's health clinic. A qualified Women's Health nurse provides all services. A mother's group is available and they run health education and support groups for NESB women. They also conduct information workshops covering topics such as preventative health care, body awareness, HIV/AIDS, contraception’s. Both centres have wheelchair access and adjustable tables. Appropriate interpreters would be called from Health Interpreter Service. Free childcare is provided to women accessing
programs at the Centre.
Web www.immigrantwomenshealth.org.au
Telephone 02 9726 4044 [Fairfield Centre]
Telephone 02 9726 1016 [Cabramatta]
Email iwhs@swsahs.nsw.gov.au
Address Fairfield Centre, 92 Smart St Fairfield NSW 2165
Address Cabramatta Centre, McBurney Rd Cabramatta NSW 2166
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Indigenous services
Aboriginal Medical Services [AMS]
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Service Provider
AMS are controlled and operated by the communities they serve. There are 29 AMS across NSW. Some AMS offer pregnancy and women's health care, healthcare screening, children's health care, and cultural awareness.
Telephone 02 9319 5823 or check your local telephone directory
Email amsredfern@amsredfern.org.au
Address Aboriginal Medical Services Cooperative Ltd 36 Turner St, Redfern NSW 2016
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Lesbian conception and parents
Talking Turkey:
A Legal Guide to Self-Insemination
Area Covered: NSW
Resource Type: Book
The website of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby NSW has lots of parenting and family information including the booklet - Talking Turkey. The booklet can be accessed under Publications - Major Reports online.
Web www.glrl.org.au
Telephone 02 9360 6650
Pride and Joy – A resource for prospective lesbian parents in Victoria
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Book
Although highlighting services available in Victoria, this booklet contains comprehensive information about creating lesbian families. Available online at webpage below; follow links to Pride and Joy. The booklet is available to individual women at no charge.
Web www.rwh.org.au/wellwomens
Telephone 03 9344 2007
TTY 03 9344 2849
Email whic@rwh.org.au
Prospective Lesbian Parents
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Information
A Victorian-based organisation that hold meetings/ gatherings. The website has a news and current issues page, which includes current laws and discussion papers on adoption and assisted reproduction. It also contains research papers, legal information, books and links to donor insemination, IVF clinics, other groups and websites.
Web www.vicnet.net.au/~plpvic
Email plpvic@yahoo.com
Address PLP-Vic C/O VAC, 6 Claremont St South Yarra, Victoria 3141
The Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy and Birth
by Stephanie Brill [2nd Ed.]
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
A US-based step-by-step guide to the physical and emotional aspects from conception to delivery, providing charts, illustrations, checklists, and fertility information. Reflecting the unique experience of lesbian mums, it's practical and addresses the social issues surrounding lesbian pregnancy in an empowering manner. Features: latest information in insemination and fertility technology, nutrition for conception and pregnancy, charts, glossary. ISBN 1555839401[Pbk]
Available online at
Web www.hares-hyenas.com.au [Melbourne] or
Can order through major book retailers
The Lesbian Parenting Book: A guide to creating families and raising children
by D Merilee, PhD. Clunis and G. Dorsey, PhD. Green [2003]
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
Clunis and Green have put together a guide for lesbian parents [to be]. Drawing on their own experiences and the latest information from family specialists, they address many of the issues lesbian parents face - how to get pregnant, dealing with homophobia, questions on why their family is different. They present detailed information on each stage of parenthood and child development, from prenatal to adult children at home. This 2nd edition published in America by Seal Press, WA. ISBN 1580050905
Web www.hares-hyenas.com.au [Melbourne] or
Can order through major book retailers
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Personal stories and experiences
Untold Desires
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Video, Story
An Australian award-winning documentary in which people with disability speak about issues which are important to them - choice, privacy, the right to have sexual relationships, and the right to have children. Available for purchase at FPA Healthrites [mail order].
Web www.fpahealth.org.au
Telephone 1300 658 886 FPA Health line
Address FPA Health, 328-336 Liverpool Rd Ashfield NSW 2131
Belinda's Baby
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Video, Story, Muscular Dystrophy
Belinda, an Australian woman with Muscular Dystrophy and partner Andrew decide to have a baby. This documentary follows their preparation for and experience of parenthood. 56 mins. Film Australia
Available at State Library of NSW - (VB10821)
Telephone 02 9273 1414
Address Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Past Due: A Story of Disability, Pregnancy and Birth by Anne Finger [1990]
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book, Story
Anne explores the complexity of disability and reproduction rights through a personal account of her own pregnancy and childbirth. Published by Women's Press, London. ISBN 0 7043 4291 X
Available at State Library of NSW.
Telephone 02 9273 1414
Address Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Bigger Than the Sky:
Disabled Women on Parenting
by M. Wates and R. Jade (Eds.) [1999]
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book, Story
A powerful anthology featuring personal accounts by 39 women with disability from a diversity of cultures and countries. Women write on childbirth, adoption, the wonders and frustrations of life as parents. It challenges the rigid, limiting views of what it means to be a disabled woman and of what a parent is and does. ISBN 0 7043 4545
Available at State Library of NSW (N362.4092/3)
Telephone 02 9273 1414
Address Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
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General parenting information and resources
Willing and Able
Area Covered: Australia
Resource Type: Audio
A 1998 sound-recording of an ABC Radio episode of the Women Out Loud program. This episode focused on parents with disabilities, motherhood, sexual behaviour, and pregnancy in women with disabilities.
Available in the Audio Visual section of TAFE NSW Library - Hornsby campus. Reference No. AV 306.8743/WILL
Telephone 02 9472 1258
Email Hornsby.Library@tafensw.edu.au
Address Hornsby TAFE Library, 205 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077
Sexual Health Network
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Website
An online resource providing access to comprehensive sexuality information, education and support for people with disabilities/illness. It includes a section on Disability and Chronic Illness
Web www.sexualhealth.com
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
The Hesperian Foundation is an American non-profit publisher of books and educational materials that help people take the lead in their own health care and organise to improve health conditions in their communities. This book is written in plain English and includes many helpful pictures. The book has chapters on sexuality, sexual and reproductive health, child-birth and parenting.
It was developed in teamwork with groups around the world. A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities will help women with disabilities overcome these barriers and improve their general health, self-esteem, and abilities to care for themselves and participate in their communities.
Click on this link http://www.hesperian.org/publications_download.php#wwd to download this book in its entirety! The hard copy of book can be purchased online.
Websitehttp://www.hesperian.org/
Telephone 510 -1-888-729-1796
Email hesperian@hesperian.org
Address Suite 304, 1919 Addison Street Berkeley CA 94704 USA
Reproductive Issues for Person's with Physical Disability by F. Haseltine, S. Cole and D. Gray (Eds.) [1993]
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
This book focuses on reproductive physiology and healthcare needs, fertility and genetic counselling. It also features sections on adoptions, pregnancy, childbirth and parenting for women with physical disability. ISBN 1 55766 111 1 Available at State Library of NSW (Disability/N613.95087/1) T 02 9273 1414 [Address Macquarie St, Sydney]
Available at FPA for purchase
Telephone 02 8752 4307 FPA
Email healthrites@fpahealth.org.au
The Parenting Book for Persons with a Disability: From planning your family to raising adolescents
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
This 1999 resource from the Parenting with a Disability Network [PDN] celebrates parenting as a viable and rewarding option for people with a disability. It addresses: where to find side-opening cribs, what is nurturing assistance, and guidelines for discussing disability with your children. It offers practical information for parents as they anticipate the steps and stages in their child's life. Includes personal accounts by parents with disability and their advice/tips. Available at Centre for
Independent Living in Toronto [CILT - Canada] ISBN 1 895676 32 0
Web http://cilt.ca/parenting_resources.aspx
To order a copy contact PDN coordinator at
Email pdn@cilt.ca
[International orders - approx $30]
Disabled Parents - Dispelling the Myths
by Michele Wates
Area Covered: global
Resource Type: Book
This book is written by a parent with a disability and it is for and about parents with disabilities. It is open, honest and balanced in its presentation. Published by National Childbirth Trust Publishing in 1997. ISBN 1857752570
Web http://cilt.ca/parenting_resources.aspx
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