Kapiti Midwives

Local Independent Midwives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photograph of Kapiti Island kindly supplied by Derek Paterson).

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Us

Kapiti Midwives has provided midwifery care to women on the Kapiti Coast since 1992.  We are a group of 5 midwives who share similar philosophies surrounding labour and birth.  We support each other professionally and personally and work well as a team.

Our People

Anne MacMillan

I have been with Kapiti Midwives since 1995, juggling a full-time caseload and a growing family. 

Originally from Scotland, I returned to the UK in the 1970's to train as a midwife. Before coming to Kapiti to live, I worked in Delivery Suites in various hospitals in NZ.  I am married with one teenage son still at home.

I believe that the NZ model of midwifery care is ideal for women and midwives - it is a hugely rewarding and challenging profession.

Pauleen Norman

I am a Registered General Nurse and Midwife and have been a practising midwife since 1974.  I worked in Wellington Hospital for many years and became an Independent Midwife in 1992.  For the last 4 years I have been living on the Kapiti Coast and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and delivering at the local birthing unit.  I am married and have 2 grown up children.

Gina Woodward

I have been a midwife in Wellington since 1994, and am currently in Independent Practice as an LMC.  I also work a few shifts at the Paraparaumu Maternity Unit.  I live on the beautiful Kapiti Coast and have 4 grown children.

The longer I do this job, the more I know that childbirth is a normal and immensely joyful time for most women and their families.  Wherever this occurs - be it in hospital or at home - I see my role as supporting her safely through this experience, so that she brings her baby into the world with much delight and happiness.

Noreen Roche

I am a Scottish trained registered nurse and midwife. I was a founding member of Kapiti Midwives in 1992 and have worked with the group for various lengths of time since then. I have also worked in the local maternity unit and in Wellington Womens Hospital.  I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). 

I provide care to women wherever they choose to birth and provide postnatal care in the home environment.  I am married with three adult children.

Gwen O'Neill

My philosophy:

"Birth is a normal life event and I believe all women are entitled to the most holistic and natural childbirth experience that is appropriate for them.”

I have worked with Kapiti Midwives since January 2008. This year I will be taking part in a mentorship programme for my first year of practice and will be well supported by the other members of the group.

Every birth is different so whether this is a woman’s first birth or subsequent birth I will support them through the whole journey which can be terrifying, challenging, ecstatic or all three. I believe in a woman’s ability to naturally birth her baby in the setting of her choice. The partnership between a midwife and a woman and her family/whanau is one that cannot be mirrored in any other way and I believe in respecting the choices, values and beliefs of each woman individually.

The place of birth is the woman’s choice – home, birthing unit or hospital. I believe the place of birth is of utmost importance and I hope to work together with women, providing information, to choose the place of birth best suited to each individual. I feel completely comfortable in the primary birth settings: either home or the Paraparaumu and Kenepuru Maternity Units. I am also familiar with the tertiary hospital setting in Wellington, and plan to provide care to women choosing any of these environments. Supporting women to achieve a normal, natural birth in any setting is my ultimate goal.

I have also successfully completed a Certificate in Midwifery Acupuncture and a homeopathy workshop for labour and birth. I believe these are valuable tools in helping women toward natural childbirth.