Antenatal Care & Postnatal Care

Pregnancy and early motherhood are transformative times in a woman’s life, and quality care during this period makes all the difference.

Olika is a Canberra-based women’s health clinic providing comprehensive, compassionate antenatal and postnatal care tailored to your unique journey.

Whether you’re expecting your first child or adding to your family, Olika provides a safe, supportive environment where your questions are answered, your wellbeing is prioritised, and your choices are respected.

Antenatal Care: Supporting You Through Pregnancy

Antenatal care (also known as prenatal care) refers to the medical and supportive care a woman receives during pregnancy. It helps monitor the health of both mother and baby, detect any complications early, and prepare for labour, birth, and parenthood.

Regular antenatal visits typically begin around 6-to-8 weeks gestation and continue at intervals throughout pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy confirmation and dating scans
  • Blood pressure and weight monitoring
  • Routine blood and urine tests
  • Screening for gestational diabetes, anaemia, and infections
  • Ultrasounds to monitor baby’s growth and development
  • Antenatal education and birth planning
  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health support

We also provide counselling around nutrition, exercise, safe medications, managing morning sickness, and planning your birth preferences.

While most pregnancies progress without serious issues, some conditions require extra attention. These include:

  • Gestational diabetes: Affects 12–15% of pregnancies in Australia. Managed through diet, monitoring, and sometimes medication.
  • Pre-eclampsia: A potentially serious condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
  • Anaemia: Common in pregnancy and may require iron supplementation.
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting that may need medication and supportive care.
  • Placenta previa or placental abruption: Conditions affecting the placenta that may require closer monitoring or earlier delivery.

At Olika, our team carefully monitors for these and ensure timely referral to the specialist obstetricians for further intervention and optimal outcomes.

Pregnancy isn’t just physical – it’s also emotional. We provide holistic antenatal care that includes:

  • Support with birth plans and preferences
  • Referrals to antenatal classes and physiotherapists
  • Screening for perinatal anxiety or depression
  • Advice on breastfeeding and newborn care

Olika coordinates with your chosen hospital or birthing facility and ensure continuity of care throughout your pregnancy.

Postnatal Care: Supporting You After Birth

Postnatal care refers to the medical and emotional support provided in the weeks and months after birth. This is a time of great adjustment, and appropriate follow-up care is essential for both mother and baby.

At Olika, we offer individualised postnatal support focused on recovery, bonding, and mental health.

  • Physical recovery checks (e.g., perineal healing, caesarean wound care)
  • Monitoring for signs of infection or complications
  • Support with breastfeeding and infant feeding
  • Pelvic floor health and postnatal physiotherapy referrals
  • Contraception planning
  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health screening
  • Baby checks and development monitoring (with your GP or shared care provider)

Appointments are typically scheduled around 2-weeks and 6-weeks postpartum, but we offer flexibility based on your needs.

It’s normal to feel emotional after giving birth, but around 1-in-5 Australian women experience perinatal anxiety or depression. Common symptoms include:

  • Ongoing sadness or irritability
  • Fatigue and low motivation
  • Trouble bonding with your baby
  • Feelings of guilt, fear, or being overwhelmed

Olika provides a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling, assess your mental health, provide medical management where appropriate and can refer you to psychologists or support services when needed.

Feeding challenges are common in the early weeks. Olika offers support with:

  • Breastfeeding techniques and latching
  • Managing engorgement or mastitis
  • Mixed feeding or formula use
  • Baby sleep and settling advice

We also assist with referrals to lactation consultants and child health nurses.

Continuity of Care at Olika

Whether you’re seeing us for shared care, pregnancy support, or postnatal follow-up, we offer:

  • Long, unhurried appointments
  • A supportive, women-centred environment
  • Coordination with maternity hospitals in Canberra
  • Personalised attention to your health goals

Book Your Pregnancy or Postnatal Appointment

If you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, let Olika be part of your care team. Located in Canberra, our experienced practitioners provide warm, evidence-based care to support you and your family through every stage of the journey.

Your wellbeing matters – during pregnancy, after birth, and always.