Practical guides, in plain words.
The little things you'll wish you'd known earlier — what to bring, when to call, and the answers to questions almost every family asks.
What to bring on day one
Your first visit takes about 45 minutes. Don't worry if you can't bring everything — we'll fill in the gaps together.
- Your ID or passport
- Medical-aid card (if you have one)
- Any previous pregnancy or birth notes
- List of medications & supplements you take
- Last menstrual period date, if you know it
When to phone us, day or night
From 28 weeks, please don't wait. We'd rather hear from you about a small worry than a big one too late.
- Reduced or no baby movement for two hours
- Any bleeding from the vagina
- A gush or trickle of fluid (waters)
- Severe headache, blurred vision or upper-tummy pain
- Strong, regular contractions before 37 weeks
Packing for your birth
A short list — the room is well-stocked, and you don't need much.
- Two comfortable, dark towels
- A loose nightie or oversized t-shirt
- Slippers, warm socks, lip balm
- Snacks & an electrolyte drink
- A baby blanket and going-home outfit (newborn size)
- Phone, charger, your playlist
The first 48 hours
What's normal — and what's worth a quick call.
- Sleep is irregular: that's expected
- At least one wet and one stool nappy on day 1
- Some weight loss in the first 3–4 days is normal
- Call if baby is not feeding, very floppy, or yellowing fast
The childhood schedule, simply
South Africa's EPI schedule covers your baby from birth — we follow it exactly and add boosters where appropriate.
- At birth — BCG, OPV (oral polio)
- 6, 10 & 14 weeks — DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB, Rotavirus, PCV
- 9 months — Measles 1
- 18 months — Boosters & Measles 2
- School entry — Td booster (~6 years)
Looking after yourself
Recovery is real work. Treat it that way.
- Rest in bed for the first 5–7 days as much as you can
- Eat warm, iron-rich meals; drink before you're thirsty
- Visitors are wonderful — but on your terms
- If sadness lingers past 2 weeks, call us. There is help.
Honest answers, the way we'd tell a friend.
Is midwife-led birthing safe for first-time moms?
For low-risk pregnancies — yes, the evidence is strong. We do a careful screen at booking and at every visit. If your pregnancy moves into a higher-risk category, we refer with grace and you don't lose your place in our care.
Do I have to choose between you and an obstetrician?
No. Many of our families have an obstetrician for scans and us for everything else, or vice versa. We're happy to share notes and coordinate. Just tell us who you're seeing on day one.
What pain relief do you offer during birth?
Water, movement, breathing, massage, heat, the birthing pool, sterile water injections, gas-and-air (Entonox), and pethidine on the rare occasion it's the right call. For epidurals you'd transfer to a partner hospital — we'll talk you through what that looks like in advance.
Can dads & partners be there for everything?
Yes — and we encourage it. Antenatal visits, scans, classes, the birth, postnatal home visits. Our partner sessions are particularly popular.
How do I know if my baby's symptoms are serious?
If you're asking the question, call us. There are clear red flags — high fever in babies under 3 months, unusual sleepiness, refusing feeds, breathing trouble, a non-blanching rash — but a worried parent's instinct counts as a reason on its own.
What hospitals do you transfer to if needed?
We work closely with two private maternity hospitals nearby and have established referral pathways for both elective and emergency transfers. We'll walk you through the specifics during your antenatal visits.
Do you do home births?
Our model is birthing in our suite, which is set up to feel as home-like as possible while remaining fully equipped. We don't currently offer home births — but we'll happily refer you to colleagues who do, with our blessing.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on the package — single visits, antenatal-only, full pregnancy & birth, or postnatal-only. We'll give you a clear written quote at the first visit, with all fees in rand and codes for medical-aid claims.
Couldn't find your question?
Send it to us on WhatsApp — there's no such thing as a silly one.