Katy RosserHave you ever watched Call the Midwife? Most of the time, I’m gripping my remote, wondering if the mothers and babies will make it through each nail-biting episode.
Those dramatic births, unexpected complications, and sheer intensity remind me just how unpredictable childbirth can be.
A sudden drop in the baby’s heart rate, an unexpected complication, or a rushed trip to the hospital—childbirth, for all its joy, can be a rollercoaster.
That’s why having the right midwife is crucial. To uncover the best midwives Auckland has to offer, I called in reinforcements—the rest of the magazine team!
We spoke with midwives and interviewed mothers to find out who provides truly exceptional care.
How much does it cost to hire a midwife in Auckland?
It costs at least 100 NZD to hire a private midwife in Auckland.
However, if you choose a public clinic, midwifery services are usually free because they are funded through the Integrated Primary Care Fund (IPCF).
1. Lisa Tattley
Address: Botany Downs Maternity Unit 292 Botany Road, Howick
Contact Details: +64 21 685 794
What we love most about Lisa Tattley isn’t just her exceptional midwifery skills but her uncanny ability to make each birth journey feel uniquely personal and celebrated. She fosters a profound sense of trust and empowerment in her clients.
Lisa’s approach is holistic, whether it’s a home birth or a hospital birth. She goes beyond simply monitoring vital signs, focusing on her client’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Several mothers shared how Lisa noticed their anxieties about breastfeeding even before they expressed them. She proactively offers support and resources, which we find valuable.
Others highlighted Lisa’s patience and reassurance during prolonged labor. Her calm presence and personalized encouragement enable mothers to have a positive and memorable birth experience.
However, a few mentioned that she can come across as rude and blunt during the initial call at times.
Warm and incredibly knowledgeable
“I’ve been so lucky to have Lisa as my midwife twice now, and I couldn’t recommend her care enough. Lisa is so warm and incredibly knowledgable, and she made us feel we were in such safe hands. Lisa’s care and help with breastfeeding was so valuable, and made the whole learning experience so stress-free.
We would highly recommend her midwifery care and breastfeeding support to all!”
–Petra Benton, Google Reviews
An absolute gem and an incredible midwife
“I reached out to Lisa when I found out I was pregnant at 8 weeks, she called me straight away and was incredibly warm, helpful and reassuring (it was my first pregnancy). I knew instantly that I wanted her care and support. I saw Lisa frequently for check ups and each one was a joy, she kept me well informed and comfortable throughout the crazy journey of pregnancy! When it came to labour and delivery, she was my biggest support (along with my fiancé) and I am so grateful for everything she did for us. Postpartum care was amazing also. Lisa is an absolute gem and an incredible midwife!”
–Sophia Paddon, Google Reviews
2. Paige Smith – The Cottage Midwives
Address: 14/3 Akoranga Drive, Northcote
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday- 9 AM to 5 PM
Paige Smith, a midwife at The Cottage Midwives, impressed us with her holistic approach to childbirth. We love how she fosters a positive and empowering birth experience for her clients.
Her experience with vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is highly regarded. The fact that she even offers water birth options for healthy, low-risk women is a major advantage.
Moreover, we admire her flexibility. Paige provides labor support at home, in the hospital, or at primary birthing units. This approach gives her clients a greater sense of control over their birth plans.
Her postnatal care is equally exceptional. She takes the time to conduct home visits, making sure both mum and baby are thriving.
However, we were slightly disappointed by the lack of clarity around payment options. Many clients mentioned that a more transparent breakdown of costs and available payment plans upfront would have been incredibly helpful.
Gives top-notch care throughout pregnancy
“I recently had Paige Smith as my midwife. I cannot rate her highly enough. She listened, was compassionate and kind, has a very calming nature and gave amazing care throughout my pregnancy, labour and postnatal period.”
–Renee Pointon, Google Reviews
Ensures that babies are delivered in a safe and healthy manner
“Cannot recommend Paige Smith highly enough as our midwife. She was so kind to my wife and I and ensured that our child was delivered in a safe and healthy manner. Paige was kind, compassionate, calm and empathetic and we are so grateful to have her wisdom and expertise during the birth of our first child. Thankyou :-)”
–Chris Carlin, Google Reviews
3. Rachel Hastings – West Auckland Midwives
Address: 199b Lincoln Road
Contact Details: +64 21 321 611
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
We love the collaborative approach at West Auckland Midwives. Rachel Hastings, one of their midwives, truly impressed us the most.
Many patients have shared how much they appreciated her calm and reassuring presence, particularly during the more intense moments of labor.
Additionally, they valued her patient-centered approach. She never pressured them and always took the time to explain everything clearly and patiently, which is immensely valuable.
We’re also impressed with her holistic approach to pain management. Rachel is experienced with a wide range of techniques, from natural methods like breathing exercises and water immersion to medical interventions like Entonox and epidurals.
Her postnatal care is equally excellent. With regular check-ups and readily available support, you’ll feel safe and confident during the crucial postpartum period.
However, there is one minor drawback. Some clients mentioned occasional difficulty scheduling appointments, as she doesn’t always answer the phone immediately.
Very polite, with full of patience
“Such a great experience with my midwife! My midwife was Rachael. She is extremely humble lady with in depth knowledge related to her field.
My baby whose birth was post due and Rachael had to go overseas for her personal reasons! Linda was there while my delivery. She is such a wonderful human I have even seen in my life. Very polite, with full of patience, wonderfully helped me in every way while giving birth. Really recommend west Auckland midwives especially Linda and Rachael as I had great experience with both of them.”
–Amandeep Kaur, Google Reviews
Answers all questions clearly and patiently
“I feel so fortunate to have found west Auckland midwives for my first baby. Rachael Hastings was my lead carer, while Linda and student midwife, Ellie, assisted with my birth. This team put me at ease during my pregnancy. They were always easy to reach and answered all of my partner and my’s question. They also assisted in making the birth of my baby girl an intimate and empowering experience. Finally, my post birth care was hands on, from giving my baby girl her first bath, to ensuring my own transition/ recovery was going smoothly. I cant wait to birth with them again in the future.”
–hannah holbrook, Google Reviews
4. Yuka Pakhomov – Northwest Midwives
Address: 138 Luckens Road, West Harbour
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Yuka Pakhomov from Northwest Midwives impressed us with her passion for helping mothers believe in themselves throughout the entire pregnancy.
We admire her extensive knowledge of natural childbirth techniques and her ability to confidently and expertly guide mothers through every stage of labor.
She also teaches valuable pain management and relaxation techniques that many find incredibly helpful during childbirth.
We also appreciate her versatility in supporting everything from natural births to hospital labor with minimal interventions. Many mothers praised how she ensures they’re fully informed about any decisions or changes made to their birthing plans.
What stood out the most was her reassuring presence. Yuka consistently takes the time to answer questions thoroughly, making her patients feel like they are her top priority.
While most mothers were highly satisfied with Yuka’s care, a few mentioned that her communication style could occasionally feel rushed.
Attentive and reassuring
“Yuka is an amazing midwife, I recommend Yuka to everyone that is looking for a midwife. She was my midwife for both of my pregnancies (2020 & 2022) she is attentive, reassuring and listens to you. She is also very supportive and I know if I am ever blessed with more children I will be straight on the phone to Yuka hoping she has availability (as I know she is very busy/sort after) Thank you so much Yuka, you are the best midwife EVER!”
–Tanya-Maree Hetaraka, Google Reviews
Supportive throughout the process
“Thank you so much Yuka for all your support :)”
-Seulchan Yang, Google Reviews
5. Symone McCormick – Nga Hau Mangere Birthing Centre
Address: 14 Waddon Place
Contact Details: +64 9 281 2046
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
We admire Symone McCormick, a midwife at Nga Hau Mangere Birthing Centre, for her relaxed and reassuring approach to labor.
We particularly appreciate how she empowers mothers to trust their bodies and find their own rhythm during labor.
For instance, she often recommends gentle movement and breathing techniques to help manage contractions, which we think is fantastic.
Many mothers shared that during labor, Symone was incredibly supportive and encouraging. She helps them navigate the process with confidence and grace.
Her genuine warmth and compassion also stand out. Symone has a unique ability to make mothers feel comfortable and safe, which is invaluable during such a vulnerable time.
The only minor drawback we heard was the occasional difficulty in scheduling appointments. Booking early is recommended to secure a spot.
Amazing postpartum care
“I cannot recommend Nga Hau enough! I’ve gone through two pregnancies and births here and the care for us mamas is exceptional. The postpartum care is also amazing. I was blessed to have Symone as my midwife for both pregnancies and I couldnt ask for a better individual to guide me through the journey. This facility, and its incredible staff, is so needed in South Akl and I hope more expecting mothers will get the chance to birth here also.”
–Sela Tupou-Moon, Google Reviews
Impeccable support and accommodation
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was so upset because I never wanted to birth at middlemore. My sister in-law vouched for the nga hau birthing facility and I was lucky enough to have the same midwife as my in-law. I had just given birth on the 9th of June 2023. I honestly and genuinely loved my whole pregnancy and birthing experience with the nga hau team and facility. I struggled a lot with my pregnancy/birthing journey but my midwife Symone and care team were a blessing through it all. Im glad to have had a natural water birth, the experience was incredible and yet the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done. I felt safe throughout the birthing stage and the water helped me feel at ease. No other hospital can compare to the empathy and care my daughter and I had experienced. There is so much more support and the accommodation is impeccable. Id recommend this birthing centre and the nga hau team to anyone and everyone!!
Loved my stay, birthing experience and care team🤍”
–Kolotilita Penitani, Google Reviews
