Director of Annerley Midwives Hulda Thorley
The Year of the Pig is often associated with fertility and virility. Director of Annerley Midwives, Hulda Thorley, has assisted hundreds of women in giving birth, and shares with us her advice and experiences.
HK Magazine: What exactly does a midwife do?
Hulda Thorley: We offer continual care for expectant mothers. I assist in pre- and post-natal care but do not deliver the baby as most women in Hong Kong have their own obstetrician. When the women go into labor we stay at their homes as long as they safely can. They are taken to the hospital halfway through labor to give birth.
HK: How many babies do you think you’ve delivered in your career?
HT: Initially, I did not deliver babies but I’ve been with hundreds of women through birth. In Hong Kong, I’ve assisted 50 to 100 women. I try not to do any more than two or three births a month, because it can take anywhere from a half day to three days to give birth. I’m on call 24 hours a day so it takes lots of time.
HK: Is each birth still exciting or does the practice eventually become dull and boring?
HT: It’s definitely exciting. I remember every single birth. I’m very fortunate to work with the women that I follow. It’s always something very special.
HK: Do pregnant women have bad tempers?
HT: As a midwife you have to be very open. Pregnant women have their demands and we must respect that. The pressures in Hong Kong are different. Many of the women that I work with are expats and they don’t have their families with them for support. But I definitely would not describe them as having bad tempers.
HK: And what about in the delivery room?
HT: Well, they certainly make noises, but there’s no bad language. Most of the women who choose to have a midwife are seeking a more peaceful environment where it is more relaxing to give birth.
HK: Are there any advantages to alternative delivery methods, like water births?
HT: There are not huge benefits to choosing water births, but if it’s done correctly, the baby supposedly comes into the world more peacefully and quietly. Water is the number one way to relieve pain during birth. Another alternative method which is fairly new is self-hypnosis or hypno-birthing. It’s a type of hypnotherapy that has been a huge success and does not involve drugs. I was skeptical about it myself at first but it is absolutely amazing. For those who can respond to it well, I would definitely recommend it.