The First Time Mum

Today, Peggy had her next Plunket appointment. For those of you not in NZ, I would describe Plunket as being almost like a district nurse but solely focused on children. It is such a great organisation and something all mums in NZ are extremely lucky to have.

Going back right to the start, I had my first appointment with the Dr on a Teams call. How very 21st century. He sent me for a blood test to confirm my pregnancy and that was the last time I saw a Dr until Peggy had her first set of jabs at six weeks old. In NZ it is up to you to choose your midwife. Who knew?! I only knew because of friends and family. They can be found through the following website: Home | Find Your Midwife What is it like where you live?

The Oamaru maternity unit was amazing. They have a primary care unit with two birthing rooms, but being a rural unit, if there are any complications during the birth you usually get helicoptered down to Dunedin Hospital. And this is why I chose to have my first child there, in Dunedin. As we only just made it through the hospital doors though, after an hour’s drive with consistent three-minute contractions, I think the next one will have to find somewhere closer to come out!

After giving birth, my midwife visited our home every other day from day seven. Then every other week until she was six weeks old. Following this a Plunket nurse came to visit and then I visit her in the community hall once a month until she is four months, then every other month until she is a year old and then each year until she goes to school which will be around four years old.

And the best part about all of this is… it’s free! All my scans, appointments, prescriptions, Peggy’s hip scan, jabs and a 24/7 hotline. How amazing is that!

At our Plunket appointment today, Peggy got weighed and we measured her height and circumference of her head. She is doing well with extremely large feet and long legs! We also chatted about how I was, how pumping was going, weaning, local baby classes and when to move Peggy into a separate room at night. Natasha, the Plunket nurse, booked me in for a weaning class in Oamaru when she is four months old (also free!) and has sent me a list of classes to take Peggy to (also free!)

So today was a good day. Peggy is now on her third outfit after three massive poo’s and sat under a light projecting fishes onto the walls and ceiling – we like to call this the silent disco. And she loves it!