CHAPTER 2

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Support and information for when you’re pregnant and giving birth

General 

Disability

Women’s health centres

Women's Centre Albury-Wodonga Inc

Area Covered: Albury

Resource Type: Service Provider        

Services concentrate on counselling and group work. One staff member knows sign language. There are services for postnatal depression and a women's health nurse once a month. Information is mainly in print form, with some other languages available. Lesbian and NESB specific information is available. Accessibility of centre for women who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility is difficult. No ramp access. Telephone to discuss access and services needed. Depending on type of service, can organise to see client elsewhere.

Telephone  02 6041 1997

Email  awwcmanager@hotkey.net.au

Address  643 Olive St Albury NSW 2640

Bankstown Women's Health Centre

Area Covered: Bankstown

Resource Type: Service Provider        

All women are welcome. They have 2 female doctors who bulk bill. They have a Vietnamese Women's Health Worker and have access to Health Care Interpreter Service. There is parking at front of the building. Access to Auslan interpreters but need to be booked. Information is in print format only.      

Telephone 02 9790 1378

Email  BWHC@swsahs.nsw.gov.au

Address  74 Restwell Street Bankstown NSW 2200  

Blue Mountains Women's Health Centre

Area Covered: Katoomba & Blue Mountains

Resource Type: Service Provider        

They offer services to all women, including lesbian, ATSI and NESB women. Services for women include breast checks, pap smears. STD checks, pregnancy tests, contraception advice, morning after pill, post natal checks. Information at the centre is mainly in plain English with some brochures in other languages, and access to get further brochures if required. They have disabled parking space, and access to interpreters.    

Telephone  02 4782 5133

Email  bmwhc@pnc.com.au

Address 124 Lurline Street Katoomba NSW 2780   

Coffs Harbour Women's Health Centre Inc

Area Covered: Coffs Harbour

Resource Type: Service Provider

They offer pre-pregnancy counselling and information; refer to clinics that terminate if needed. No ante natal care, we confirm pregnancy and then refer on. Information for lesbian and NESB women. The centre is accessible, with disabled parking space available, ramp entry, disabled toilets, electronically controlled examination tables, Auslan interpreters. Information is only in print format.         

Telephone  02 6652 8111

Email  admin@coffswomenshealth.ngo.org.au

Address  74 Victoria Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450      

 I

llawarra Women's Health Centre

Area Covered: Illawarra region

Resource Type: Service Provider

A women-only space providing a range of women's health checks, pregnancy testing and counselling. Information on sexuality and menopause, abortion support and counselling referral. Advice on how to become pregnant, referral to ante-natal clinic at Shellharbour. See women for postnatal follow-ups. A lesbian health project also. Offer talks on women’s issues. Access features include parking, level entry to centre, wheelchair accessible toilet, and adjustable examination table. Able to book Auslan Interpreters. Information is mostly printed - can be sent via email.        

Telephone  02 4296 7077

Email  info@womenshealthcentre.com.au

Address  2-14 Belfast Avenue, Warilla NSW 2528         

Lismore and District

Women's Health Centre Inc

Area Covered: Lismore

Resource Type: Service Provider

The centre's Women's Health Nurse gives pregnancy and contraceptive advice, pre and postnatal advice, and termination counselling. The nurse works closely with the lesbian community and women who require insemination. They also have a weekly pre and post natal support group. Outreach programs to indigenous communities through the Healthy Jarjums Project. The centre has stairs so not accessible to women who use wheelchairs. Can supply translators and Auslan.

Telephone  02 6621 9800

  Backup 02 6621 9627

Email  karunaf@versa.com.au

Address  25 Uralba St Lismore NSW 2480   

Northern Women's Health Centre

(outreach of CCCWHC)

Area Covered: Wyong       

Resource Type: Service Provider

They refer pregnant women and parents to the clinic at main service [CCCWHC] or the local Area Health Service Community Health Clinic. They try to be inclusive and aware. Not accessible for all disabilities - just a small outreach service open 1.5 days a week at present. However, the main centre at Wyoming is much more accessible. 

Telephone  02 4351 1152

Email  sandra.sturgess@internode.on.net

Address  7 Rose St, Wyong         NSW 2259

Peninsula Women's Health Centre

Area Covered: Woy Woy & Central Coast

Resource Type: Service Provider        

Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre runs a clinic on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month where pap smears, pregnancy information and tests, HRT, contraception are available. Clinic for postnatal check. Counselling and holistic services are available. Information and services for lesbian and NESB women are available. Accessibility: parking and ramps for entry for women in wheelchairs. No adjustable tables.

 Auslan interpreters available. Information is in print format only.

Telephone  02 4342 5905

Address  20A McMasters Road, Cnr Commonwealth Ave Woy Woy, NSW 2256   

Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre

Area Covered: Nowra & Shoalhaven region

Resource Type: Service Provider        

Services include counselling, family planning services - pap smears, breast, STD checks, and pregnancy tests - information and referral, pregnancy counselling, menopause group, and education workshops. No wheelchair access to centre or parking for disabled drivers; no adjustable tables. Access to an interpreter service is available when needed. Lesbian women attend the centre and NESB women are welcome.        

Telephone  02 4421 0730

Email  swhc@shoal.net.au

          Address  5 McGrath Ave Nowra NSW 2541

Indigenous specific resources

Healthy Pregnancy for a Healthy Boori

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book        

A booklet for indigenous mums [to be] that includes topics like: Pregnancy and feelings, Your first check-up, Words you may need to know, Things that can hurt your baby, Your health rights, Your pelvic floor, Breastfeeding and bottle feeding, Partners feelings, How do I know I'm in labour?, Stages of labour, Birthing procedures, Your body after giving birth, Your baby after birth, Early childhood services that can help you. They also have weekly development charts/changes, information and pictures.

Website  http://www.Sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au/publications/

         Telephone 02 4229 9495 [Wollongong] &

                    02 4421 5099 [Nowra]

Address  Aboriginal Medical Service

                          150 Church St Wollongong 2500 or Aboriginal Medical Service 51-53

                    Berry Street, Nowra 2541       

Get the Facts - Know Your Rights

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Information       

This set of 12 anti-discrimination fact sheets, specifically for women who are indigenous regarding pregnancy, maternity leave, work etc can be downloaded online at Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission website. e.g. Get the Facts: Know Your Rights. There are also fact sheets on Getting Help and Contacts.      

Website http://www.hreoc.gov.au/get_the_facts/index.html

         Telephone 1300 656 419

           [HREOC Complaints Info Line] or

 TTY 1800 620 421

Email  complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au  

         Telephone  08 9221 9544 [National Network of Indigenous Women’s Legal Services Inc]

Fatherhood

First Time Father by

Tony White and Dr. Graeme Russell [2005]

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book        

This book by Australian authors help 'expectant' dads understand what is happening from the start of the pregnancy through to the first few months with their new baby. Approx $25 AU ISBN 1876451556.

            Available for order online at www.dymocks.com.au

Wow! I’m a Dad!

The most important job I’ll ever have [2005]

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book

During pregnancy some dads may not be prepared for the feelings of uncertainty they experience. This 29-page booklet provides practical advice and solutions to common issues faced by first-time dads. It addresses the psychological, emotional and physical changes experienced by fathers during the 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy and post-birth.    

Website http://menshealth.uws.edu.au/resources.html  (click on link)

Telephone  (02) 4570 1550

Email  m.woods@uws.edu.au

Diary of a Pregnant Dad by R. Wilcher [2004]

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book        

A humorous yet informative guide from conception to birth for fathers-to-be. Published by Haddington Press. ISBN 0975168002  

           Website www.dymocks.com.au  or other major book retailers.

Being Dad

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: DVD

This DVD includes honest advice and humorous commentary from 60 dads around Australia. The documentary follows a pregnant couple through the later stages of pregnancy and birth. It also features commentary from an obstetrician, financial planner, psychologist and beer expert.       

Website www.beingdad.com.au

Telephone  1800 505 471 

Literature for Expectant Dads

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Information

The latest fathering brochures designed for expectant and new fathers by Good Beginnings. Titles include Dads - work and family: finding a balance, New Dads - Understanding your changing relationships, Dads can make a difference to Postnatal Depression; and Fathers role in breastfeeding. Order form available online.        

          Website www.goodbeginnings.net.au  - Our Library – Fathering Program Literature 

Telephone  03 6278 5328

Pregnancy and childbirth - information, education and support

Royal Hospital for Women

[RHW @ Randwick NSW]

Area Covered: Northern Sydney Region

Resource Type: Service Provider, Classes,  Maternity

RHW is a great service provider/resource for pregnant women and parents for their comprehensive and specialist care. RHW is accessible; the staff knowledgeable/experienced in caring for women with disability. Services include health education classes, breastfeeding/postnatal information sessions, and breastfeeding support, MotherSafe. Hospital offers 24-hour interpreter service and support of women of NESB. The information on their website is regularly reviewed by leading specialists at the hospital and includes a comprehensive list of information/services.   

Website    www.rhw.org.au

Telephone     02 9382 6111

Address    Barker St, Randwick NSW 2031   

Royal North Shore Hospital-

Maternity Unit

Area Covered: North Shore & surrounding regions

Resource Type: Service Provider, Maternity

This Hospital provides a range of services including high risk pregnancy care for women with pre-existing medical issues. Facilities include a ward for mothers with extra care needs (e.g. spinal cord injury).    

Website     www.rns.nsw.gov.au

Telephone      02 9926-7111

Address      Pacific Highway, St Leonards

Westmead Hospital-

Women’s Health & Newborn Care Centre

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Service Provider, Maternity

New Centre opening in 2007. Westmead Hospital provides a wide range of services. These include genetic counselling, fertility services, pregnancy and childbirth options and full antenatal care of mother and baby.

Telephone     02 9845-5555

          Address  Corner Hawkesbury and Darcy Roads, Westmead, NSW 2145

Life Events - Having a Baby

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Website, Information

A NSW government portal providing comprehensive information and services in relation to starting a family. Sections on planning a family, pregnancy, giving birth, and after the birth.

Website www.nsw.gov.au/baby

www.birth.com.au

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Website, Information

An Australian website and resource for pregnancy and birth information.    

Website www.birth.com.au  

What to Expect When You're Expecting

by A Eisenberg, H. Murkoff and S. Hathaway

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book        

A comprehensive monthly format on pregnancy - includes sections on working mothers, fathers to be, and lots of illustrations. Published in 2003 by Harper Collins. ISBN 0732270820      

Available for loan at 5 libraries in City of Sydney LGA. Can be ordered through major book retailers.

Having a Baby by Dr. M Stoppard [2005]

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: DVD        

This double disc DVD set offers a practical guide to pregnancy, birth, and childcare. It includes a 40 week guide to baby development, mum's progress, health care, diet, exercise, etc. [130 minutes Code 88 CTR 38 228] It’s in English, with subtitles in Hindi and English captions. It is available for loan at City of Sydney library.

Website www.marcom.com.au

Telephone  07 3340 8900

Email  marcom@marcom.com.au

Childbirth Education Association of NSW [CEA]

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Organisation, Classes        

They provide childbirth and parenting courses to 'expecting parents'. Small groups are conducted by trained CEA educators in both Sydney and country areas of NSW.

Website www.cea-nsw.com.au

Telephone  02 8539 7188

Email  info@cea-nsw.com.au

Childbirth and Parenting Education [Westmead Hospital]

Area Covered: Sydney West AHS

Resource Type: Service Provider, Classes 

Westmead provide childbirth and parenting classes for pregnant women and their partners. They also provide Young Parent Program, Breastfeeding Workshops, and Exercise Classes. Classes are also held for CALD communities e.g. Cantonese, Mandarin. Maternity Liaison Officers (MLO) are available to NESB clients.

          Telephone  02 9845 6005 or 02 9845 6153     [MLO]

           Address Westmead Hospital, Cnr Hawkesbury & Darcy Roads,  NSW 2145

Pregnant Women and Discrimination –

Your Rights

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Organisation, Information

This fact sheet from the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW details your rights at work and what to do if treated unfairly/harassed because you're pregnant. Available online - go to "Fact sheets" under "Publications" on website. ADB (NSW) has wheelchair accessible offices in Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle. They provide information in 24 community languages. They also provide a simple English fact sheet.

Website www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb

Telephone  1800 670 812 (rural and reg. (NSW only)

Telephone  02 9268 5555 (Sydney)

TTY 02 9268 5522 (Sydney)        

Mother Safe

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Service Provider

Mother Safe is a telephone advice and counselling service for pregnant and breastfeeding women who have been exposed to chemicals, medications, radiation or infections. This state-wide service is located at the Royal Hospital for Women and provides information to women who are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant or breastfeeding.

Website www.rhw.org.au

Telephone  02 9382 6539 (Sydney)

                             1800 647 848 (Outside of Sydney in NSW)

NSW Midwives Association

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Organisation     

An association of qualified and registered midwives. A helpful resource for home birth options. Includes information on what a midwife does and how to find one in your region of NSW. 

Website www.nswmidwives.com.au

          Telephone  02 9281 9522 

Homebirth Access

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Website  

They provide a referral service to registered homebirth midwives. Information evenings are held and practical support is provided before and after the baby's birth.

Website www.homebirthsydney.org.au

Email  info@homebirth.org.au      

The Maternity Coalition Inc

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Organisation, Forum   

A national organisation committed to the advancement of best practice maternity care for all Australian women and their families. The website has online discussion list, choice for childbirth information, and campaigns sections. Birth Matters is their quarterly journal. Articles cover a wide range of topics, like research, birth stories, contacts, and upcoming events. Some articles are available online. You can browse by state, which includes a news section - rural women services and contacts throughout the state.     

Website www.maternitycoalition.org.au

Email  inquiries@maternitycoalition.org.au

Pregnancy loss

Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Service Provider

Women can be referred to this clinic if they have experienced 2 miscarriages in a row. It’s staffed by specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist. The clinic serves women in the local community but can take referrals from out of the area.      

Website www.rhw.org.au

Telephone  02 9382 6048

          Address  Royal Hospital for Women,

                            Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031

Preterm Foundation

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Service Provider        

They provide pregnancy testing, counselling and support with termination of pregnancy. The clinic is located in Surry Hills, Sydney. Interpreters are available by prior arrangement.      

Website www.preterm.org.au

          Telephone  02 9217 8700 or 1800 659 124  (country NSW)

Email  info@preterm.org.au

The Bessie Smyth Foundation [BSF]

Area Covered: NSW

Resource Type: Service Provider

BSF is run by women, for women. Services include informed, unbiased decision-making, counselling in regard to pregnancy; abortion information, referral advice and advocacy, pre and post abortion counselling. A helpful resource 'Values Clarification and Pregnancy Decision Making Guide' can be accessed online at the BSF website or you can ring to request a copy.

The BSF does not endorse forced abortion, forced sterilization, and do not argue the case for continued access to abortion on grounds of foetal abnormality, rather the BSF simply see abortion as being a woman’s right to choose.

At the time of printing this book, BSF has been forced to cease their counselling services to women as a consequence of no government funding being received. The BSF has been a self-supporting organisation since 1977, however, in recent years that self-funding has come to an end and, despite government recurrent funding being sought so to continue their services, no funding has been made available. They can be contacted by email or phone. BSF will continue to provide information via their website.  

Website www.bessiesmyth.org.au

Telephone  02 9649 9744

 Email  bessie@zip.com.au

Address  39 North Parade,  Auburn, NSW 2144

Bonnie Babes Foundation [BBF]

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Organisation

An international organisation, raising money for perinatal medical research and counselling. A medical information section on website looks at issues such as miscarriage, stillbirth, poor growth, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth. BBF offer 24 hour, 7 days grief counselling line and services to families who have lost a baby. Trained counsellors provide support to any member of the family or friends grieving after pregnancy loss. Coping with Pregnancy Loss, a free publication is available at many Australian hospitals, or contact the centre.       Website www.bbf.org.au

Telephone  03 9803 1800 [Head Office,{Melbourne]

Email  enquiry@bbf.org.au

Guides, blogs, and experiences

Mother To Be: A Guide to Pregnancy and Birth for Women with Disabilities by Judith Rogers & Molleen Matsuma [1991]

Area Covered: Global

Resource Type: Book        

An optimistic, comprehensive and practical guide to pregnancy and birth as experienced by 90 women with a variety of disabilities. Available at FPA library in Ashfield.  ISBN: 0930057302      

Can be ordered through major book retailers.

Telephone  02 8752-4318 FPA Health Library

            Email  library@fpahealth.org.au

Emma's Baby Diary

Area Covered: Global

Resource Type:         Story, Short Stature

For 3 months, mum-to-be, Emma Bowler keeps a diary/weblog of her experiences of pregnancy, labour and birth. Emma has a genetic condition, Kniest Syndrome, which impacts on her stature and mobility. See Life Files section of website.    

Website www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/lifefiles/baby

The Baby Challenge: A Handbook on Pregnancy for Women with a Physical Disability by M. Campion [1990]

Area Covered: Global

Resource Type: Book        

Part 1 opens with decision making to start a family, support services for pregnant women, and chapters on pregnancy and birth plans. Part 2 focuses on a range of disability types, relating specific issues, physical limitations and medications for each disability experience, and case studies of mum's for each disability type. Infant care is equally well examined. ISBN 0415048591      

Available at State Library of NSW

Telephone  02 9273 1414

Address Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Also available at

Website  www.cilt.ca

Email  cilt@cilt.ca       

Defiant Birth by Melinda Tankard Reist

Area Covered: Australia

Resource Type: Book, Story      

Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics tells the personal stories of women who have resisted medical eugenics - women who were told they shouldn't have babies because of perceived disability in themselves or shouldn't have babies because of some imperfection in the child. Published by Spinifex ISBN 1-876756-59-4 [pbk]

Website www.spinifexpress.com.au or  www.defiantbirth.com

The Disabled Women's Guide to Pregnancy & Birth by Judith Rogers [2006]

Area Covered: Global

Resource Type: Book

An updated and revised 2nd edition of the 1991 book entitled Mother to Be by J. Rogers and M. Matsumura. The author - Judith - is a mum of 2 children, lives life with a disability, and is a pregnancy and parenting specialist in the USA. Demos Publishing, NY publishes this 2006 book. ISBN 1932603085 

Can be ordered through major book retailers.

 Arthritis

Pregnancy and Arthritis – An Information Booklet

Area Covered: Global

Resource Type: Book, Arthritis   

A UK-based Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) produced this 25-page booklet to help people with arthritis who want to have children/are pregnant. It includes information on medications and pregnancy/ breastfeeding. It contains a chapter on Lupus too. It was published in 2005.

Website www.arc.org.uk

Telephone   +44 0 1246 558033

Email   info@arc.org.uk

           Address   ARC, PO Box 177, Chesterfield,

                            Derbyshire S41 7TQ, UK