Another Newbie to Darwin

**DJOS** · 23-04-2012 14:58

Hi people,
Hubby, bubby and I have just moved from Hobart to Darwin for hubby to take up the "job of his dreams". It's been such a massive shift for me, not so much climate wise (lived in Central Queensland for 8 years), but I'm really struggling with meeting new people and getting my little boy out and about. Ollie is 8 months old tomorrow and although over the past week there has been some slightly more pleasant experiences, I've found a lot of people I've come across to be very different to Hobart.
I'm really struggling to find a good family doctor too, if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them. I've got a couple of really complicated health issues, and serious allergies that we need to monitor Ollie for, and we've tried a couple of GPs, but they were not good experiences, one even asking "how long I was planning on staying" before she would consider seeing me. So hard. We're also trying to manage a long distance IVF transfer and it's leaving me with very little confidence.
I would love to hear of other people in either Darwin or Palmerston (I don't mind driving anywhere), playgroups or events that are particularly good. I must admit Ollie and I are feeling a little isolated and struggling a lot.
Any ideas would be so greatly welcome!

**Gemini85** · 23-04-2012 15:23

Hi there

Welcome to Darwin. I know there is a facebook group for Darwin mums. Its called Darwin Mums Meet, or something like that. Maybe check them out.

My bub isnt due for another few months, but maybe all us Darwin mums and mums to be should catch up some time.

Ooh and Im not sure about the GP sorry. I have had my doctor since I was born and she doesnt take new patients which is a shame. I know that Northlakes Medical clinic is really good though. I have been there a few times and its great. A friend of mine has her regular GP there, and she is fantastic with her and her daughter. I dont know her last name but I know the doctors name is Amy.

**2bubba** · 24-04-2012 21:30

Hi
I have been in Darwin for nearly a year and a half now. It is a great town. Just need to get out there. Not great about the GP but on their behalf Darwin is a defence town and most people leave after 3 years when posting is up. I go to nightcliff medical center, i have found them reslly good but then i have only had to go a couple of times. I myself go to defence playgroups but their is a web site playgroups nt that could help you find one in your area. I have found that people up here are very friendly and open. I have a 22 month old and 7 month old and they love going to the markets to get out and see new things.

Good luck with finding a playgroup and a GP.

**katherinelouise** · 25-04-2012 00:54

Hi, just wanted to say welcome!!

I second the recommendation for Nightcliff Medical. They look after a fair few complex needs people, and are always great. There's also a surgery at Stuart Park with good Drs that bulk bills.

Have you been to the libraries? There are usually a lot of kids stuff advertised in them, the Palmerston one seems especially good. There's also FREEPS (Free Recreation for Everyone in the Parks) which I've heard is good, and the fun bus.

No kids, so I don't have any other ideas. Sorry! I am going through IVF at Repromed though, so if you want to talk about that I'm more than happy to.

**Gemini85** · 25-04-2012 09:46

Katherine - how are you going at Repromed? I can't see if you have a signature so I'm not sure if this is your first. I went trough Repromed to get my little belly bub.

**DJOS** · 26-04-2012 09:14

Thanks so much ladies, I was hoping to make it to the library this morning, but alas, the boy has just crashed out so we'll likely miss the fun up there.
We are continuing our IVF/ICSI journey through TasIVF, where our two little frosties are currently being well looked after. After having unsuccessful cycles with another provider in Queensland, and my beautiful boy arrive first time with TasIVF, we decided to leave our little ones there and will travel down for the embryo transfers when it's time. I've heard really great things from my FS about Repromed, and from a friend who has had some success with them too.
Thanks again ladies, I appreciate it.

**katherinelouise** · 26-04-2012 23:27

DJOS - I really hope things go well for you up here, sorry I can't help you more!

Gemini - Dr Nicky and the team have been fantastic, esp poor Hamish who I've managed to cry on twice now!! Suppose he'd be used to it in his job, though

Our last emby was a freshy from our 2nd cycle, and he stuck for a little while. So the bright side is I can get preggers! I'll see Dr Nicky mid May, until then I'm just enjoying being drug free. I'm also enjoying being on holidays, oh the bliss of sleeping in in this weather!

**Gemini85** · 27-04-2012 11:55

DJOS - goodluck with your next cycle hun. At least you will get a mini holiday when you go back to Tassie for the transfer. Hope you starty finding some things to do in Darwin. Its a great place. But I was born here so Im a bit bias haha

Katherine - Yeah Nicky was fantastic. She always did my EPU's, and a couple of my transfers, but I always dealt with Dr Girle. She's a funny one. Very blunt, but I think thats just how she is.

I did 3 fresh cycles with them, and one frozen. My second cycle took, but didnt last, then it was 3rd time lucky. Thanks to Dr Girle and her testing she did, I found out why they werent implanting. So I only have 14 weeks to go til I meet my bub. Cant wait to send Repromed a huge bunch of flowers to say thanks for what they have done. They were fantastic.

Oh yeah, and how awesome is this weather!!! Lovin it. Hope it lasts a while.

**MissLink** · 30-04-2012 14:20

so here is the Darwin Mum's Meet Facebook profile:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001926680317

we are another Repromed success story, with two little frosties who will get their chance this year sometime.

I am currently in Jabiru at the moment and travel regularly into town.

I'm suprised at the Dr's attitude.... Defence is not Darwin's only industry, there are plenty of us who call it home.

sprinkling some sticky baby dust for us all in our next IVF rounds!

**megang85** · 03-05-2012 14:54

Hi there

I've just moved up to Darwin from the Sunshine Coast, but I'm from Hobart originally! The only people I know up here are my partner's family, so I'm keen to get out and meet people!

My little girl is 17 months, and while she may be a little old to play with some of your tiny bubbas I'd still love to catch up for a coffee and a chat, or head to the park sometime!

My sister in law has a little 4 month old boy, so I'm also on the look out for Mother's/Play groups for her!

Megan