Congratulations on your pregnancy and the new adventure ahead!
When you select Natural Birth as your primary healthcare provider, we are dedicated to accompanying you throughout the entire journey.
You can contact us as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.
For your initial, booking visit, we will require the results of your pregnancy blood tests. This will be followed by a comprehensive review of your medical and surgical history, as well as your obstetric history.
Examinations will encompass weight assessment, vital sign monitoring (such as blood pressure and pulse), urine analysis, breast examination, and abdominal assessment. Additional blood tests and ultrasounds may be recommended during the course of your pregnancy (two ultrasounds are mandatory). We provide antenatal care for both home and hospital births.
Antenatal consultation Schedule:
8-28 weeks: Once a month.
28-36 weeks: Once every 2 weeks.
37 weeks onwards: once a week until delivery.
Should you choose a home birth, we will support you at every stage. During antenatal visits, we will discuss labour signs, contraction monitoring, and when to contact us (typically during active labour). Furthermore, we will review your birth plan and the post-birth procedures, such as delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact, etc. Our facility offers birthing pools for hire, which can be utilised for water births or as a form of pain relief during labour. We are fully equipped with the necessary medical supplies for labour, as well as emergency equipment such as oxygen, IV lines, IV fluids, suturing materials and medications to manage bleeding if needed.
Mothers are welcome to have a doula for additional support during labour. We require first time moms to have a doula.
In the event of an emergency, Vergelegen Mediclinic serves as the designated backup facility for clients with a backup doctor in Somerset West, while Helderberg Hospital is designated for clients without a backup doctor. Clients planning home births in other cities will be directed to the nearest hospital, as previously established during our consultations. We are professionally trained and experienced in identifying potential problems and managing emergencies. If necessary, we will swiftly arrange a calm transfer to a hospital. We are thoroughly trained and proficient in providing immediate response in an emergency situation.
Following a successful birth, we will remain with you for approximately two hours. During this period, we will monitor both you and the baby for any complications, assist with breastfeeding, and ensure the health and comfort of both mother and baby.
Postnatal assessments for both mother and baby will be conducted on days 1, 3, 7, and 10 following the birth (more if needed). For the mother, vital signs, breast condition, bleeding, fundal height, and stitches (if suturing was performed in the event of tearing) will be assessed. The baby will be evaluated for jaundice, vital signs, signs of eye infection, weight, breastfeeding support, etc.
If all is well after these visits, parents may proceed to make the first appointment with a paediatrician of their choice. The baby will also be referred to the baby clinic for further weight checks and care. We provide the Road to Health booklet as well as the birth notification required by the Department of Home Affairs.
