Do you know your choices in a birth team is the biggest factor in having a positive birth experience? It may even come as a surprise, You have a choice. Yes, you have 6 choices in fact!
By “team”, I mean anyone and everyone who is supporting you during your labour. This could be your partner, your care provider, a doula, a student midwife, a close friend or family member.
If you’re someone who, when you found out you were pregnant, went to the GP for your blood tests and upon discussing where you were going to have the baby, the standard practice is for them to ask; “Do you have private health insurance,? The answer you give then determines public or private and the location of which hospital would determines the rest.
Fortunately, there are multiple options available when it comes to choosing the kind of birth you want. Rather than being asked a closed-ended question, it's important to ask what type of birth best suits your needs. With the six options to consider, it's helpful to have a clear understanding of the pros and cons associated with each one.
It's important to make sure your team "gets" you, has your back, respects you, listens to and crazily enough loves you and your unique personality and pregnancy. To have a positive birth you need to feel safe, secure and able to put your total trust in those around you. You need to know that those people will advocate for you and protect you no matter what.
Importance of your birth team and options available
In case you made a hasty decision, it's worth noting that you have six options at your disposal, and I'll present them to you in no particular order.
Let's take a look at the different models, what they involve and how you can access them.
Midwifery Group Practice
This is a continuity of care model, meaning you will have a known midwife throughout your pregnancy and birth. You care will be mostly provided at the MGP rooms and birth will be at the Hervey Bay Hospital. You will need to be referred through a GP to access this model, and it is recommended to be referred as early as 8-10 weeks, as only 8% or women have access to this model of care.
For more information on accessing the Midwifery Group Practice Click Here
Home Birth with or without a Private Midwife
Is an excellent option for those who wish to have their baby at home. A qualified midwife will provide antenatal and postnatal care and support during your birth in the comfort of your own home. There are some amazing Private Midwives in the area who are passionate about women-centred care and birthing in your own home. If you are in interested in hiring a Private Midwife The Dreaded Midwives are local to Wide Bay.
If you choose to have a Home birth without a private midwife, you may like to have someone else support you, like a family member or Doula. There are some amazing Doulas right here in Wide Bay too, check them out below;
General Midwifery Care
In this model you will see a variety of Midwives throughout your pregnancy and birth at The Hervey Bay Hospital. If you reside in Maryborough, Queensland, you may have some of your antenatal appointments at the Maryborough Hospital.
However, it's important to note that there are no birth suites at the Maryborough Hospital, so if you choose to give birth there, you will be transferred to The Hervey Bay Hospital.
Public as a Private Patient
There is no maternity ward at St Stephens Private Hospital in Hervey Bay. This means that if you have private health insurance and you want to give birth at a private hospital, you would need to consider other options.
However, if you have private health insurance you may wish to birth in the Hervey Bay Public Hospital as a private patient.
Public Shared Care with your GP
You may want to have your GP as your primary Care Provider, sharing care with the hospital doctors and midwives. If you choose to have your GP as your primary care provider, it means that you will see your GP for most of your antenatal appointments, and your GP will work in partnership with the hospital doctors and midwives to provide your care.
This is known as shared care. During your pregnancy, your GP will monitor your health, perform routine tests, and refer you to hospital doctors and midwives for specialised care when necessary.
It's important to note that not all GPs offer shared care, and you may need to check with your GP to see if they provide this service.
Private Obstetrician
If you are wanting to hire a private Obstetrician for your care, this is possible but only available through Bundaberg Hospital. There are Obstetricians in Hervey Bay, though they are not Private.
Encouragement to explore and consider all options before making a decision It's essential to take the time to reflect on the kind of birth you desire, the individuals you want by your side, and the emotions you wish to experience. Don't hesitate to explore your options, gather information, and ask questions. Remember, you're not alone in this process, and I'm always here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Wishing you all the best on your journey towards a happy and healthy birth! Wanting to know more about which option is best for you? Why not book into a HypnoBirthing Course with me, or attend one of my monthly Hypnobirthing Information Sessions
