“The first step for most women is to go to their general practitioner (GP). Your GP will arrange blood tests, ask about your health and past pregnancies, and confirm the pregnancy. The GP should tell you about the variety of choices available to you and then give you a referral to your choice of provider or place of birth.”
“Many people choose a range of options for the birth of their children. One of the most important pieces of knowledge to have is knowing that you actually DO have choices…”
Continuity of midwifery care
“Continuity of midwifery care involves a small group of midwives who work together to provide antenatal, labour, birth and postnatal care to women. This means you get to know your midwife and they will be on call for the birth.
Midwifery continuity of care models are associated with the least intervention. This includes caesarean section, using forceps or a vacuum to deliver, or cutting an episiotomy to to make the vaginal opening wider. They also tend to be the most satisfying for women and are the most cost-effective.”
Private midwives
“In some states, private midwives attend births in hospital, birth centres and the home. Private midwives provide the majority of home births.
They work for themselves rather than a heath service. This means a cost is associated with this service, which can range between A$3,000 and $6,000. Women are able to get A$1,000-2,000 back from Medicare if the midwife is eligible with a Medicare provider number. Some private health funds will also give rebates for midwifery care.
If you plan to give birth at home with a private midwife and complications occur during the pregnancy or birth, you will be advised to have your baby in hospital and your midwife will go with you.”
Source:
https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-are-womens-options-for-giving-birth-55133
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