Karina Sweetnam

Freelance Midwife

I am a passionate midwife and support families with warmth, calm and empathy through pregnancy, birth preparation and the early days with their baby.I’m originally from Australia, where I completed my Bachelor of Midwifery. I’ve been practising as a midwife since 2021. In Melbourne, I worked in a large hospital under the Midwifery Caseload Model, providing holistic support to women from pregnancy through to birth and into the postnatal period – including on-call service for the birth.This experience has deeply shaped my desire to provide personalized and continuous care. It’s important to me to really get to know women, to listen to them, and to support them individually and as equals.Today, I live with my husband and our daughter in the beautiful Oderbruch region. I’ve found my home here and am very happy to be able to support families with my midwifery certification, which is recognized in Germany.

Offerings

I provide compassionate support to women and families throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period—from a positive pregnancy test through the 16th week after birth.
I offer the following services:

I happily work collaboratively with Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, and other Allied-Healthcare Professionals who may be needed during your pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

When should you contact me?

I can support you starting with your very first pregnancy test.
If you’re only looking for postpartum care or prenatal care, I’m happy to provide it, as long as my schedule allows.
If you live near Eberswalde, Angermünde, or Bad Freienwalde—please ask me if you’re not sure whether I cover your area.I currently have openings until the end of November. I am unavailable from the end of December through the end of January.I’m currently working on being able to offer support during home births in our region - not yet though!

Blood tests during pregnancyA number of blood tests are available during pregnancy. They help us to monitor the health of both mother and baby and to identify any potential risks or infections at an early stage.
Regular tests include:+Blood group & Rh factor: We determine your blood group and Rh factor.
+Antibody screening test: We check whether certain antibodies are present in your blood that may be important for your baby.
+Rubella protection: We check whether you have sufficient protection against rubella.
+Syphilis test: So that any potential infection can be detected and treated at an early stage.
+HIV test: This is offered and will only be carried out with your consent.
+Hepatitis B test: A test for hepatitis B, usually towards the end of pregnancy.
+The baby’s Rh factor: In the case of Rh-negative pregnant women, the baby’s Rh factor can be determined from the mother’s blood.Not every blood test is necessary for every pregnant woman. Further tests, for example for toxoplasmosis or CMV, may be advisable depending on your personal situation and medical advice.All tests will be discussed with you – you are welcome to ask questions at any time.

Midwife appointments during pregnancy.
We’ll be with you every step of the way throughout your pregnancy. These appointments give you the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice and receive support – and help us to work together to look after your wellbeing and that of your baby.
A possible schedule:+Early pregnancy: Getting to know each other, advice and discussing your questions.+Up to the 32nd week of pregnancy: Regular antenatal appointments, usually about every 4 weeks.+From the 32nd week of pregnancy: Antenatal appointments usually about every 2 weeks.+From the 36th week of pregnancy: Appointments may take place more frequently, depending on your needs.
Around the due date: We’ll discuss the birth, the postnatal period, breastfeeding and the early days with your baby.
*Important: Every pregnancy is different. The number and frequency of appointments will be tailored to you and your individual needs.