Before pregnancy
Planning a Pregnancy
An opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health and talk about preparing for pregnancy.
Whether you’re thinking about your first baby or planning another, Kristal can help you understand your next steps.
Private midwifery care in Wangaratta and North East Victoria
Arc Midwifery provides personalised pregnancy and postnatal care with endorsed midwife Kristal Byrne. From your first positive test to the early weeks with your baby, you’ll have a familiar person to turn to.
Enquire now
Perhaps you’ve just found out you’re pregnant and aren’t sure where to start. Maybe you’re looking for more personalised support, or hoping for a different experience this time around.
Wherever you’re starting, there’s space here to ask questions, talk through your options and work out what feels right for you.
With Arc Midwifery, you’ll see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy appointments, building a relationship with someone who understands your history, your preferences and what matters to you.
If your pregnancy requires specialist care, that doesn’t automatically rule out having your own midwife. Kristal can discuss working alongside your obstetrician and hospital team to provide care suited to your circumstances.
Meet your private midwife
I’m an endorsed midwife with more than 19 years of experience supporting women and families.
I started Arc Midwifery to offer the kind of care I value: personal, practical and built on a relationship. A place where you can feel comfortable asking the question you’ve been sitting on, talking honestly about your worries and being yourself.
My experience includes hospital midwifery, caseload care and childbirth education. Today, I focus on caring for women during pregnancy and after birth, helping them understand their options and prepare for what’s ahead.
I bring clinical knowledge, warmth and a commitment to evidence-based care. I’ll listen to what matters to you, explain the information and support you to make informed decisions.
Your preferences around birth and feeding are welcome here. My role is to help you understand your choices and feel supported in your care.
Services
You can connect with Arc before pregnancy, during pregnancy or after your baby arrives. Your care will be shaped around your needs and any other services involved.
Before pregnancy
An opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health and talk about preparing for pregnancy.
Whether you’re thinking about your first baby or planning another, Kristal can help you understand your next steps.
First trimester
A positive test can bring excitement, uncertainty and a long list of questions.
Kristal can help you explore the pregnancy care options available locally, arrange relevant blood tests and ultrasound referrals, and discuss screening options so you can make informed choices from the beginning.
During pregnancy
Regular appointments with a midwife who gets to know you.
Your care includes pregnancy assessments, education and time to discuss how you’re feeling. Together, you’ll talk through your questions, prepare for birth and early parenthood, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals where needed.
As an endorsed midwife, Kristal can order relevant tests and prescribe medicines within her scope of practice.
After birth
Support as you recover, get to know your baby and adjust to life after birth.
Once you’re home from hospital, Kristal can provide postnatal care tailored to your needs. This may include recovery and wellbeing assessments, feeding guidance, emotional support and referrals to other local services.
Sometimes, it’s also having time to sit down with someone familiar and talk about how you’re really going.
My approach
Build a relationship with the same midwife, with less time spent starting from the beginning and more time talking about what you need now.
Clear explanations about tests, care options and what to expect, with room to ask questions and consider your decisions.
Your preferences, circumstances and experiences matter. Care is centred on you, with open conversations and no judgement.
When other professionals are involved, Kristal works collaboratively with them. Your midwifery care can complement the specialist, hospital and community support you need.
Getting started
Send an enquiry with your contact details, your stage of pregnancy or postpartum, and the support you’re looking for.
Kristal will be in touch to discuss your needs, current availability and whether Arc is a suitable fit. You can also ask about appointments, fees and Medicare rebates.
At your first appointment, you’ll talk through your history, preferences and next steps, including how Arc will work with any other care providers.
Frequently asked questions
You’re welcome to enquire when you’re planning a pregnancy or as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. You can also get in touch later in pregnancy or after birth to discuss your needs and availability.
You may still be able to receive care through Arc. Kristal supports women with a range of pregnancy needs, working collaboratively with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals where required.
The first step is to discuss your circumstances so you can understand what care may be appropriate for you.
No. Kristal provides care during pregnancy and after birth, but does not attend labour or birth. Your hospital maternity team will provide that care.
Your appointments with Kristal can help you prepare, understand your options and discuss your preferences before your baby arrives.
Yes. You may be looking for early pregnancy support before moving into another care model, ongoing antenatal care or support after birth.
You can discuss the appointments that suit your needs and any other services you’re using.
Medicare rebates are available for eligible midwifery services. The rebate and your out-of-pocket cost depend on the appointment and applicable Medicare requirements.
Please get in touch for current fees and rebate information.
Arc Midwifery is based at 15B Muntz Street, Wangaratta, welcoming women and families from Wangaratta and surrounding North East Victorian communities.
Contact
Whether you’re planning ahead, newly pregnant or looking for support along the way, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Share a little about yourself and Kristal will contact you to discuss your options and availability.
