This is a special but also very vulnerable time in your life – so it’s only natural that you will have a lot of questions and need extra specialist support during your pregnancy. That’s why I’m delighted to have a skilled midwifes, Michele Simpson and Chantelle du Boisee on my team.
Dr Rahul Sen ~ Midwife Service. Dr Rahul Sen is passionate about providing a multidisciplinary service for his patients. In this video he talks about Michelle, the highly skilled and caring midwife in his team who will see you twice during your pregnancy and also after you’ve had your baby. Home visits by Michelle and phone contact when you need her, are all part of this exclusive service.
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My Midwife Team…
I am both fortunate and delighted to have Michele Simpson and Chantelle du Boisee as part of my midwifery team. Michele Simpson is an experienced and skilled midwife, with whom I have worked for many years at RHW. She will see you for a long (1 hour) consultation at 13-17 weeks, and then for a shorter (30 minute) consultation at 37 weeks, if needed. Chantelle du Boisee provides cover for Michele on some weekends and when Michele is on leave.
Michele is not present for the birth, however she will try to see you in hospital after the birth. Michele will contact you after you leave hospital and, where possible, do one home visit, as well as provide ongoing text message, phone and email support. If you need more help than Michele can provide with a single visit she will put you in touch with someone who can provide more extensive assistance. Michele has a special interest in perinatal mental health, and as part of her antenatal sessions with you she will spend some time with both you and your partner together, and also with you on your own.
Michele is an excellent point of contact if you have additional general or midwifery questions between your visits with me. She can be contacted by email or text message, between the hours of 8am and 9pm most days, and sometimes by phone. Please note that Michele has a busy hospital schedule, and is a wife and mother, in addition to her work with my practice. For that reason she is not contactable on some days, overnight or some weekends.
Please note that neither Michele Simpson nor Mellanie Rollans is available for emergencies. In an emergency, whether before or after your baby is born, please contact the delivery suite of the hospital at which you are booked.
The cost of the care and advice that Michele provides, including one home visit (where possible), is incorporated in your planning and management of pregnancy fee.
Message From Michele Simpson…
“I became a practising midwife in 1991, after working as a nurse for several years in the Emergency Department, in my home town of Newcastle.
I have since worked extensively in all areas of Midwifery including Neonatal Intensive Care. I now live in Maroubra, with my husband and two children, and currently provide pre-conception and antenatal care to women experiencing both uncomplicated and high risk pregnancies and bereavement at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick. I have also been involved in teaching childbirth classes.
My special interest is in complementary therapies and I have a Diploma of Remedial Therapies and Massage. I am also passionate about research regarding pregnancy and women’s health and have published several articles, including a review of raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy.
I would like to offer education, reassurance and support to you and your partner throughout your pregnancy and during those early weeks after you take your baby home. I hope to meet you during your 2nd and 3rd trimesters to discuss your preparation for your birth and parenthood. I will contact you again after your birth by telephone or email and, if you wish, arrange a single post-natal visit in your home.”
Message from Chantelle du Boisee…
“I have been practising Midwifery for 15 years, and for most of that time I have worked at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick.
I have worked in various areas of Midwifery, however, my main area of specialty is in Antenatal care. In this area I ran a Midwives clinic, was involved in Diabetes education, group antenatal education and infection control. I have also worked as a Clinical Midwifery Educator.
I recently returned to working with new mums and their babies in the Postnatal ward at the RHW. My focus is caring for women and their families in all areas of pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
I live in Waverley with my husband my three beautiful sons. I am truly passionate about my work as a Midwife and look forward to meeting you on your journey to parenthood.”
Introducing my Midwife Educator, Jessica Krigstein:
Jessica is a midwife, lactation consultant, midwifery educator and mother, with whom I have worked at Prince of Wales Private Hospital for the last 5 years. Jessica runs private antenatal, birth and parenting classes either for individual couples or in small groups, near to my Edgecliff rooms.
Introducing Mellanie Rollans:
Dr Mellanie Rollans has been a mental health nurse consultant and practitioner with women, children and families for over 20 years and is a dynamic parenting educator who is passionate about supporting families through the transition of pregnancy and into parenthood. Mellanie has researched the specialist area of the social and emotional wellbeing of women in the perinatal period and is an internationally published author. She has a special interest, in working with women and their families through life transitions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood, including adjustment, attachment, postpartum depression and anxiety, and dealing with bereavement.
Dr Rollans’ intention with her consultation is to provide parents with strategies and information to support their social and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and to simplify parenting options, assisting parents to establish the first steps in confident parenting. Having a strong commitment to early intervention and prevention her approach is non-judgmental, and being a facilitator in Family Partnership training, she works in partnership with women and families. In her private practice, Dr Rollans provides one to one clinical consultation to support women, children and families in individual, couple and family therapy.
Dr Mellanie Rollans – 0437 864 232 – www.drmellanierollans.com
Please note that Dr Rollans’ is not available in emergencies, and that the cost of consultations with her are not included in your planning and management fee. She offers a special rate to my patients.
What is a Doula?
A doula provides support and education during your pregnancy and labour, both at home and in the hospital. They also provide support and advice in the early days and weeks following your birth. Doula fees can vary substantially. You can ask Dr Sen or the midwives for recommendations. To find a doula see www.findadoula.com.au or www.australiandoulacollege.com.au
We look forward to meeting you and hope to help make your pregnancy journey a safe and happy one.