Helena Humphries RN, RM

Ph: 021 504 506

Congratulations — you're on the journey to becoming a parent, and I'd love to be part of it.

I've been a midwife for 30 years now, the last 20+ of them with Hibiscus Coast Midwives, and I still love what I do as much as ever. Pregnancy and birth are normal life events, and I believe every woman's body is inherently capable of growing and birthing her baby. My role is to support and guide you through this process, helping you build trust in your body and your own instincts along the way.

Physiological, undisturbed birth is where my passion truly lies. Over the years, I have supported hundreds of women through normal labour and birth, and I have seen time and again what becomes possible when a woman's body is trusted to do what it is designed to do. Home birth and water birth, in particular, offer an environment where women can labour instinctively — free from unnecessary intervention, surrounded by familiarity, and supported to move, vocalise, and birth in the way that feels right for them. For primary birthing, I use Warkworth Birthing Unit, a midwifery-led facility that offers that same home-like environment. This kind of birth isn't something that simply happens; it's something that is protected — through continuity of care, a relationship built on trust, and a midwife who understands the subtle art of watching, waiting, and knowing when not to intervene. Part of my role is also to recognise early when a different path — such as transfer to hospital — is the safer or better choice.

Of course, I also recognise that for some women, the reassurance of a hospital birthing environment is what feels right for them, and I am equally confident and comfortable providing care in this setting. My experience across both community and hospital care means I can support you well in either, and I involve obstetricians as needed to ensure you receive safe, appropriate care. I am very supportive of Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC) — I have empowered many women to achieve a successful normal VBAC, both at home and in hospital. For women who need an elective caesarean, I'm glad to support them through that too.

To ensure you receive genuinely personalised care, I keep my caseload at a manageable level.

My wonderful back-up midwife is Andrea McLelland (Andi) — you will most likely meet her at some point during your pregnancy.

I am married with three grown-up children. My leisure time (when I get some!) is spent at the beach, travelling, or relaxing with a good book.

I look forward to meeting you.