Choosing an obstetrician is a personal decision. Yes, the medical experience matters, but so does the way you feel in the room. Pregnancy can come with joy, nerves, endless questions and more Googling than anyone cares to admit, so having someone who listens, explains and supports you through each stage can make a meaningful difference.
For local mums considering private maternity care, Dr Luiza Peculis is a Sutherland Shire obstetrician and gynaecologist consulting from Caringbah and delivering at Kareena Private Hospital.
Dr Peculis’ approach is centred around personalised, woman-centred care, with a strong focus on communication, continuity and compassionate support. Many women choose her because they are looking for an obstetrician who combines evidence-based medical care with a warm and approachable style.
What does an obstetrician actually do?
An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in caring for women during pregnancy, birth and the weeks after delivery. While many people think obstetricians are only involved during labour, their role is much broader than that.
Throughout pregnancy, an obstetrician monitors both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. This may include arranging and interpreting ultrasounds and blood tests, monitoring growth and wellbeing, managing pregnancy symptoms and providing guidance around nutrition, exercise, birth preferences and recovery after delivery.
An obstetrician is also trained to identify and manage complications if they arise, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, bleeding, concerns with baby’s growth or labour-related issues. Just as importantly, they are there for reassurance, education and support during what can be a very emotional and sometimes overwhelming time.
For many women, having continuity of care with the same obstetrician throughout pregnancy helps build trust and confidence leading into birth.
When should you book your first appointment?
Many women are surprised to learn that it is best to book in quite early, ideally as soon as they find out they are pregnant or after their first positive pregnancy test.
Dr Peculis usually sees patients for their first appointment between eight and ten weeks of pregnancy. Booking early allows time to organise initial blood tests, a dating ultrasound and early pregnancy screening, while also ensuring availability around your due date.
Even if you are very early in pregnancy or have not yet had a scan, it is still worthwhile making contact. The practice team can guide you through the next steps and help organise any investigations needed before your first visit.
What is the difference between public and private maternity care?
Choosing between public and private maternity care is a very personal decision, and there is no single right option for every family.
In the public system, care is generally provided through the hospital clinic and patients may see different doctors or midwives throughout pregnancy and birth. Public care provides access to medical facilities and specialist services.
Private obstetric care offers greater continuity, meaning patients see the same obstetrician throughout pregnancy and that obstetrician is involved in the delivery. Many women value the familiarity, consistency and personalised support that comes with this model of care.
Private care also often allows longer appointments, more flexibility in discussing birth preferences and ongoing support from a dedicated practice team who know your history and circumstances well.
For many women, the decision comes down to the type of experience and continuity of care they are hoping for during pregnancy and birth.
What does support during pregnancy look like?
Pregnancy care is about far more than checking blood pressure and measuring baby growth.
For many women, pregnancy comes with excitement, uncertainty, physical changes and plenty of questions. Support during pregnancy means having someone you can trust to guide you through each stage, from early pregnancy symptoms and screening tests through to preparing for labour, feeding, recovery and the transition to parenthood.
Appointments with Dr Peculis are an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and feel informed about your choices. Some women need reassurance after previous pregnancy experiences, while others simply want to understand what is normal and what is not.
Good obstetric care also recognises that every pregnancy is different. Some women want detailed information and planning, while others prefer a calm, simple approach. The most important thing is feeling heard, supported and cared for throughout the journey.
What do local mums often feel unsure about?
One of the most common things expectant mothers say is, “I don’t know if what I’m feeling is normal.”
Pregnancy brings constant changes, and it is very common to feel uncertain about symptoms, baby movements, scans, labour signs or how to prepare for birth and early motherhood.
Many local mums also feel unsure about when to call their doctor or hospital, what type of birth they might have, pain relief options during labour, balancing work, family and pregnancy, and how they will cope after the baby arrives.
Often, reassurance and clear communication make a significant difference. Having a trusted obstetric provider who is approachable and available for guidance can help reduce anxiety and make pregnancy feel far less overwhelming.
What is it like delivering at Kareena Private Hospital?
Delivering at Kareena Private Hospital offers families the experience of private maternity care within a well-established local hospital environment.
Many women appreciate the calm atmosphere, modern maternity facilities and the continuity of being cared for by their own obstetrician. Throughout labour and birth, Dr Peculis’ patients are cared for by an experienced midwife alongside Dr Peculis. The hospital also provides support from experienced paediatric and anaesthetic teams.
One aspect many families find particularly reassuring is access to experienced maternity midwives at all hours. During pregnancy, if patients have concerns or are unsure about symptoms, movements or when to seek medical attention, the maternity ward midwives are available to provide guidance and advice 24 hours a day.
For local families in the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas, delivering close to home can also be an important practical and emotional benefit. Every birth experience is unique, but many women value feeling supported, informed and cared for in a familiar environment during such an important life event.
Why local mums choose Dr Luiza Peculis
Dr Peculis provides personalised obstetric care with a strong focus on communication, continuity and compassionate support.
As a local doctor living in the Sutherland Shire and a mother of two children herself, Dr Peculis understands pregnancy, childbirth and parenting from both a medical and personal perspective. She appreciates the excitement and challenges that come with becoming a parent, and how important it is to feel reassured, informed and genuinely supported.
Her approach is centred on building trusting relationships with patients and tailoring care to each woman’s individual needs, preferences and circumstances. Whether supporting a straightforward pregnancy or managing a more complex situation, her focus remains on helping women feel safe, respected and confident in their care.
For mums looking for a private obstetrician in the Sutherland Shire, Dr Peculis offers specialist pregnancy and birth care with a warm, thoughtful and local approach.
To book an appointment with Dr Luiza Peculis, call 02 7506 8363 or book via her website.
