About Midwives Care

Care from a known midwife is often referred to as midwifery continuity of care. Women who have the same midwife caring for them throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and post birth have the opportunity to build a trusting relationship which increases their confidence.

No matter how simple or complicated your situation is, our lactation consultants can assist with all breastfeeding issues. Lactation consultants can even meet with you during your pregnancy to formulate a plan for your breastfeeding journey

Knowing your midwife – being cared for by, and able to build trust and rapport with, the same midwife, doctor, or group of midwives, during pregnancy (or even pre-conception), through labour and birth, and into the early weeks of mothering – has benefits for mothers, babies and society. It is known as the ‘Gold standard’ of maternity care and the Australian College of Midwives continues to advocate for all women to have access to this model of care.

what are the benefits?

for women

A woman who receives care from a known midwife is more likely to:

  • have a normal birth*;
  • have a more positive experience of labour and birth;
  • be satisfied with her maternity care;
  • successfully breastfeed her baby; and
  • cost the health system less.

for babies

A baby whose mother received care from a known midwife is more likely to:

  • be born at term; and
  • be born healthy.
  • improved breastfeeding outcomes

* ‘Spontaneous in onset, low-risk at the start of labour and remaining so throughout labour and delivery. The infant is born spontaneously [without help] in the vertex position [head down] between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy.’ (World Health Organisation Definition of ‘Normal Birth’ – Care in Normal Birth 1997)