SUE HOLDOM
 

A Little Bit about Me ...

Hi.  My name is Sue Holdom.  

Thank you for considering having me involved in your pregnancy and birthing experience. At this special time, choosing a caregiver is just one of many important decisions you must make. I hope this page helps you know me a little better, so you can decide if I am the appropriate caregiver for you.

My interest in pregnant women and their families started when my partner and I had our three children (now aged 12 - 19).   I trained as a childbirth educator, and taught antenatal classes for 10 years before moving to the Waikato, and realising my dream of midwifery training.   My other interests include spending time with my family, fishing, reading a book, and working in my garden!

" Life is an ongoing journey.
Focus on the journey,
not just the destination."

My Philosophy ...

I consider that pregnancy and birth are part of a normal life journey for healthy women, while acknowledging each experience as unique.   I believe women are empowered by making their own choices in pregnancy, and that this is very important as they become parents.   I have a special interest in water birth and breastfeeding, and especially enjoy working with women for whom these are important.  

Working together, we will collect and share information, based on both research and experience, and I will respect the choices you make.   My care will focus on your needs, including people who are important to you, and negotiating all aspects of your care.

Regular health assessments would be carried out for you and your baby, and accurately recorded, with these records available to, or held by you, and to appropriate others with your consent.   I undertake to make time to discuss any issues or concerns you have during our partnership. This includes issues relating to my practice – your feedback will be requested, and contributes to my annual evaluation. This follows the Midwifery Standards Review process, of the New Zealand College of Midwives, of which I am a member.

At times, I may be involved in research, or working with a student midwife. If this would involve you, I would seek your consent, but you are entirely free to decline this. Finally, when we decide together that the time is right, and you are confident and well-supported in your parenting, your care would be handed over to the appropriate health providers.

I offer the following services, free of charge, within my scope of practice

• Pre-conception consultation and information

• Pregnancy testing and consultation regarding your options

• Screening or referral for screening (eg blood testing, infection and immune status, ultrasound scanning, specialist care, etc)

• Review of all medical and childbearing history

• Regular, comprehensive health assessments of mother and baby

• Discussion of all relevant issues (eg nutrition, exercise, caregiver and birth options, health consumer rights, employment and parenting issues, choices for childbirth education, infant nutrition and behaviour, community groups and support, etc)

• Prescriptions related to childbearing, including contraception

• Continuity of care during labour and birth, including continued support if transferred for secondary care

• Facilitation of a positive mother/baby and family relationships

• Support and information during the early postnatal weeks

 

My Contact Details ...

I hope this has given you some insight into my practice. I would be pleased to hear from you, to further discuss sharing your childbearing experience.  

I can be contacted by phone (or will return messages) during normal office hours (9am - 5pm)  At our first meeting we will discuss contact issues, including reasons why you may need to contact me after hours.  While your access to me for urgent problems is assured, this allows me some privacy and time with my family.

• Mobile Phone (027) 222 4911
  
• Home Phone / Fax (09) 233 6831   
  
• Email