What role do Lead Maternity Carers have under the Primary Maternity Services notice?

Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) play a crucial role in the New Zealand maternity system, as outlined in the Primary Maternity Services notice. They are tasked with providing comprehensive, continuous care to women throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. This inclusive approach allows LMCs to establish a trusting relationship with their clients, ensuring that women receive individualized care that takes into account their specific needs and preferences.

The primary focus of LMCs is to support the health and wellbeing of women and their newborns in a holistic manner. This includes not only monitoring physical health but also addressing emotional, social, and cultural aspects of maternity care. Given their extensive responsibilities, LMCs coordinate with other healthcare providers when necessary, but they are not responsible for all hospital services or exclusively managing high-risk pregnancies.

The provision of comprehensive care by LMCs is aligned with the principles of woman-centered care that emphasize the importance of empowering women during their maternity journey. This role allows for more personalized and accessible care, which is vital in promoting positive health outcomes for mothers and their babies.