The Rural Midwife: Midwifery Services for South Waikato Families

Congratulations on Your Pregnancy!

What a special and exciting journey you're about to embark on.

My name is Alana, and I provide full antenatal, labour/birth, and postnatal care for rural women in the South Waikato region. I believe childbirth is a natural life event and that every woman deserves to feel empowered throughout her maternity experience.

Antenatal Clinic Locations

I offer flexible antenatal appointments at:

Tokoroa Maternity Unit
(within Tokoroa Hospital)
Zen Medi-Spa, Cambridge

Birthing Options

I offer birthing options at the following locations:

Common Questions About Your Maternity Care

Pregnancy is a big journey—so it’s natural to have lots of questions. Whether you’re wondering about appointment schedules, the cost of care, or what to expect during each trimester, we’re here to make things clearer. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about maternity care with The Rural Midwife, from early pregnancy right through to postnatal support.

What are the schedule and location for visits?

Every four weeks in early pregnancy, moving to fortnightly at 30 weeks and then weekly at 36 weeks until your baby arrives. Antenatal appointments are held at one of my clinic locations. Then weekly visits at your home once your baby arrives.

How long are antenatal appointments?

Allow one hour for the first booking appointment as we need to discuss your medical history and personal requirements. Ongoing appointments are around 30 minutes.

How much does maternity care cost?

The MOH funds all maternity care for those who hold residency or certain work visas. All screening is free apart from the scans. Scans are subsided by the MOH but do occur a surcharge which ranges from $40-$80 depending on radiologist and type of scan.

How to contact me during your pregnancy

As your LMC midwife, I am on call for you 24/7 until your baby is 42 days old. For anything of an urgent nature, it’s really important to call (not txt). Texting is only for non-urgent matters as they are only replied too during working hours 9-5 Monday to Friday.

What happens if my pregnancy turns complicated?

Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth. If situations occur in pregnancy and birth that require specialist care, I refer you to the obstetric team at Waikato hospital. This service is also funded by MOH and does not occur a cost.

What are the routine antenatal screening tests?

Bloods

Booking bloods in early pregnancy
2nd trimester bloods at 26-28 weeks
3rd trimester bloods at 36 weeks
Genetic testing – MSS1 maternal serum screening or MSS2, depending on gestation at the time of booking.

Ultrasounds

Dating scan
Nuchal translucency (NT) scan
Anatomy Scan
Growth scans as required

What are the common complaints in pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting, sore breasts, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, ligament pains, sleeplessness, changes in sexual feelings, UTIs, vaginal discharges, backache, pubic bone pain, indigestion, and constipation.

Your Birth, Your Way

I work in partnership with women and their families, supporting informed choice and consent every step of the way.

Whether you're planning a water birth in one of our beautiful Waikato birthing centres or prefer epidural care at Waikato Hospital, I’m here to support your individual choices—your birth, your way.

Postnatal Care at Home

Once your baby is born, I’ll visit you at home until your baby is six weeks of age, offering gentle, continuous support during this precious time.

Alana Rowe, The Rural Midwife

Feel free to call or text me to discuss your care.

Phone: 021 300 929
Email: alanarowemidwife@gmail.com