Hospital Birth

For further information, contact Melissa Maimann at Essential Birth Consulting or call 0400 418 448

Birth is recognised as one of the most significant life events in a woman’s life, and who she selects to accompany her on that journey is crucial to her sense of wellbeing and satisfaction afterwards as she reflects on her recent birthing experience.

Many women prefer to birth their babies in hospital, either in the delivery suite or the birth centre, but they also would much prefer to be sure of the midwife they are going to have with them when they go into labour. Understandably this is nearly impossible to provide through the general hospital system, so some women prefer to search out their own private midwife so that they can communicate, get to know, and develop a good trusting relationship based on respect and integrity with the midwife of their own choosing.

Will I Benefit from having my own Private Midwife?

Yes, without a doubt!

Ask any new mother “Would you have liked to have had your own private midwife throughout your pregnancy birth and first weeks at home with your baby?” and there is an extremely strong chance she will emphatically reply – YES!

Private midwifery care is available for women in the greater Sydney region including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and Illawarra, who are planning a natural birth in any setting whether it be in a hospital delivery suite, birth centre or in their own home.

Together, women and private midwives explore the family’s goals for pregnancy and birth, focusing on making the birth as positive and as healthy as possible.

How Does it all Work if a Woman has a Private Midwife for a Hospital Birth?

After an initial consultation (booking) at the hospital, some women opt to have their ongoing pregnancy care with a private midwife. We can take our time addressing the things that matter to you.

When labour starts, we can labour at home until you feel ready to go to hospital. In hospital, your private midwife provides advice, physical and emotional support, guidance and advocacy to see that the birth plan is respected and maintained without a fuss.

After your baby arrives, we may leave hospital as soon as you feel ready and continue care in the privacy of your home.

A private midwife can provide all the services that a doula can provide. In addition, families benefit from:
- being professionally cared for by a registered health professional who is recognised by legislation
- being cared for by someone who is educated to university level
- having access to skills such as resuscitation, monitoring of the baby and so on
- highest chance of normal vaginal birth
- minimal intervention during birth
- professional advice and clinical care
- having some or all of your antenatal and postnatal care with your midwife in the privacy and security of the woman’s home
- lowest chance of caesarean
- lowest chance of episiotomy
- midwives can advise on VBAC options
- lower requirement for pain relief
- higher breastfeeding rates
- lower rates of pregnancy admissions to hospital
- access to midwife means women can change to home birth at any time and have that midwife as the primary care provider
- midwives can monitor the baby in pregnancy and labour
- midwives can monitor the woman’s health in pregnancy and labour
- midwives can liaise with other health professionals if needed

Will you do birth support only?

Yes! Families can have two antenatal consultations, I can support them at their birth, and then follow-up with one postnatal consultation. Of course, additional consultations are always available if needed or preferred.

Fees

Families are now able to pay an hourly rate for private midwifery care. This flexible approach has several advantages for families:

The service is more affordable. Prices start from $1,600.

Payment amounts are smaller, allowing for easier budgeting

Families pay for what they use, need or want

There are lots of optional extras for families who prefer a more premium service

Families are more in control of the service

Private midwifery fees may be claimed through the Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset and Private Health insurance.

Fees for private midwifery may be claimed through the Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset and some Private Health funds.

Booking a Private Midwife

Women make initial contact by phone on 0400 418 448 or email to enquire about private midwifery care. An initial appointment may be made and this provides an opportunity for us to meet each other and discuss the family’s needs for pregnancy and birth. It will take about two hours. Many women have questions that they like to ask their midwife, and this consultation provides the perfect opportunity for us to explore ways of individualising the care. A consultation fee applies.

After the initial consultation, families consider their preferred options and phone to confirm a booking. As bookings are strictly limited each month, it is advisable to phone as soon as you have reached a decision. Regretably, bookings cannot be secured until payment of a deposit is made.

Once a deposit is paid, we will arrange the first antenatal visit. This appointment takes place as early as possible in the pregnancy, preferably by 8 weeks. The appointment will include a complete medical, surgical and birthing history, and I will provide you with information on many aspects relating to pregnancy, birth and babies. Further consultations will be scheduled.

For further information or to make an appointment, please phone 0400 418 448. I welcome phone calls any day of the week, any time between 7am and 10pm.

Further information about hospital birth services can be found here.

Other services include:

Pre-conception care
Pregnancy and Birth Options
VBAC Preparation
Miscarriage and Pregnancy Termination Support
Early Pregnancy Care
Childbirth Education
Nutrition and Exercise
Telephone and E-mail Consultations
Birth Plans
Birth Advocacy
Second opinions
Birth Trauma Debriefing