Five Elements’ resident midwives Alex and Amber from Body, Birth and Baby, answer some questions about the role of a private midwife…
What does a private midwife do?
A private midwife is a registered midwife who has completed extra study to be able to provide care for women outside of the hospital environment. Private midwives can prescribe certain medications and order ultrasounds and blood tests where necessary. Private midwives are able to provide pregnancy care, education and postpartum care. Some private midwives offer homebirth as an option or labour and birth support within a hospital for women preferring to birth in a hospital.
What is shared care?
Shared care is a model of care where women are booked in to birth at a hospital but instead of having their pregnancy appointments with a doctor or midwife at the hospital, they have their appointments with a private midwife or GP in the community. The biggest benefit of doing shared care is that you have your pregnancy appointments with the same person each time, so they become familiar with your medical history and can make you feel at ease. At hospitals it is common to see a different midwife or doctor for every appointment. Other benefits of shared care include longer appointment times tailored to your needs, easy access to appointment locations, free parking, short waiting times, flexibility with appointment schedules and times. Shared care is suitable for women who are experiencing a low-risk pregnancy. Where any complications arise your midwife of GP will liaise with the staff at the hospital where you are booked to give birth.
How is shared care with a midwife different from shared care with a GP?
Shared care with a GP or Midwife are great options for pregnancy care. If you have a good relationship with your GP and they are a shared care provider with your chosen hospital that may be a good option for you. Shared care with a midwife is a perfect model of care for women wanting more than just a pregnancy check-up. Our midwives will provide extensive education around pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding and the postnatal period during all of your appointments. Your appointment will be tailored to your specific needs and there is lots of space to ask any questions that may arise. You are welcome to bring your partner or children along to the appointment with you.
Can a private midwife attend my birth in hospital?
There are private midwives that can attend your labour/birth in a hospital for a fee but Body, Birth & Baby’s midwives do not currently offer this. We aim to arm you with all the knowledge, tips and tricks that you and your partner will need going into labour and birth so that you feel empowered in your labour and birth experience.
Does Medicare provide any benefits towards my appointment with a private midwife?
Yes! Medicare provides a benefit for pregnancy appointments and postpartum appointments. The amount that you receive from Medicare will depend on the safety net. You can contact us or view our website for more information.
How do I find out more?
Please feel free to make an enquiry via info@bodybirthandbaby.com.au or call Alex Beckingsale on 0408 569 919. Alternatively, you can discuss care options for pregnancy with your hospital care provider.
Follow Body, Birth and Baby on Instagram.
