Continuity of Midwifery Care – Low Risk and All Risk
Continuity of Midwifery Care is an option that attempts to, where ever possible, enable you to be cared for by the same midwife during your pregnancy, birth and after birth. This model of care enables women to build a trusting relationship with their midwife, increases confidence in mothers and their partners and improves labour and birth experiences.
CHWC offers two options of Continuity models. Our low risk model (previously the Canberra Midwifery Program (CMP)) operates primarily out of the hospital’s Birth Centre. This model is suitable for women who;
- Are healthy and considered to have few medical risk factors (low-risk)
- Would like to birth in a relaxed, home-like environment
- Are planning a natural, vaginal birth with minimal intervention
- Are planning on managing pain using non-medical methods, or
- Would like the option of a waterbirth
Our all risk model includes continuity of midwifery care for women who may have an obstetric or medical complication, providing the option to share care with specialist obstetric clinics.
Pregnancy care may include a home visit from your midwife, however most of your antenatal appointments will be carried out at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, or at one of the community clinics. If you need to see an obstetrician during your pregnancy, your midwife will continue to support you, including attending these appointments with you if required.
You will meet your midwife when you are around 14-16 weeks pregnant. This visit usually takes place at your home. Your midwife will provide you with their mobile number and you will be able to contact your own midwife at any time for urgent concerns and for labour and birth.
During your labour, you will receive one on one care with your midwife. If during your pregnancy, you or your midwife has any concerns or you develop complications, your midwife will arrange for you to see one of our specialist doctors.
Following the birth of your baby, you should expect to go home within 6-24 hours. If a longer stay is required, you and your baby will be transferred to the postnatal ward for ongoing care.
Postnatal Care
Once you go home you will receive postnatal care at home with your midwife for up to 14 days. You will then be referred to the Community Maternal and Child Health Nursing (MACH) service for ongoing parenting support.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Continuity of midwifery care by Winnunga midwives shared with GPs, Aboriginal access workers and the hospital obstetric team provides Aboriginal specific, culturally appropriate midwifery services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
For more information and bookings please contact Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service at: (02) 6284 6222
