Julie Wharton

Bachelor of Midwifery, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, 11 November 2005

I have always had an interest in women’s health and wellbeing and I sincerely believe that pregnancy and childbirth are events that have a very significant impact on a woman’s life.

I believe that childbirth encompasses the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of our being and our birth experience influences how we feel about ourselves as women and as mothers. Ask any woman about her birth experience, whether she be 18 or 80 years old, and she will tell her story in detail.

I started my career nursing geriatric patients for two years before moving on to a career in banking and finance for thirteen odd years. I came to midwifery when my four children had grown and have been working as an Independent Midwife since 2005 when I and two other Christian midwives set up Manna Midwives in Te Atatu.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is supporting a woman to believe in the power of her body to birth and nurture her baby. I never cease to be amazed by the wonder and the miracle of birth. For this reason I take my responsibility as a midwife very seriously and am passionate about facilitating and promoting safe and positive birth outcomes for women and their families.

Years of practice: Over 7 years

Back up midwives: Dianne Squire, Sue den Hartog and Deidre Jeffries.

Birth facilities attended: Primarily Waitakere Hospital, but if complications develop I maintain continuity of care at North Shore and Auckland Hospitals. For postnatal care I can attend Helensville. I also have access to Birthcare.

5 December 2005

English