New Maitland midwifery service a popular choice

Thursday, 5 May 2011

A midwifery service at Maitland Hospital designed to support first time mums and reduce the need for medical intervention during birth has been officially launched today to coincide with International Midwives Day.

Maitland Hospital’s Manager of Birthing Services Christine Osborne said women will have greater choice when having a baby.

“The new service is available to well, healthy mothers who are expecting their first baby,” Ms Osborne said.

“Under the new Midwifery Group Practice, women are provided with continuity of care from one midwife who they get to know and trust throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting days.”

The Midwifery Group Practice offers women another option for their care and supports existing antenatal services, which include shared care with the women’s General Practitioner, a midwifery clinic and a doctors’ clinic.

Mary Manning, one of four experienced and highly skilled midwives who form the Midwifery Group Practice said the new service is already proving popular with Maitland women.

“About 50 women have opted for the service since it was introduced in February,” Ms Manning said.

“The women have the chance to form a one-on-one relationship with their midwife. From the outset, women will meet a midwife who will provide their antenatal care and education, their birth care in the hospital and postnatal care in their homes.”

Ms Osborne said research shows this model of care leads to less medical intervention during birth.

“Women feel in more control during labour and have a better birth experience and the midwives have increased knowledge of the patient which allows them to collaborate more with specialist obstetricians.”

A similar service operates at John Hunter Hospital.

(HNE-2541)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 0428 106 183