There are many options available about how and where you will have your baby, as well as the care you receive along the way. It may be worth thinking about your preferences and exploring what is available in your area.
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Public care
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Public maternity hospitals provide quality care for pregnant women. Couples planning pregnancy may wish to visit hospitals in their area to discuss facilities and philosophies of care. It may be possible to talk to midwives in parent education units. Some hospitals offer information nights and hospital tours.
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Different models of care are usually available in public hospitals. Women with no medical problems or complications with their pregnancy may be able to choose:
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- Midwife Team Care - care from a team of midwives
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- Family Birth Centre - for those wanting little intervention with birth and delivery. Sometimes water birth is available
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- Shared Care - where the pregnancy care is shared between the hospital and a local doctor who is affiliated with the hospital. It involves two or three visits to the hospital. Sometimes blood tests and ultrasounds performed outside the hospital incur a fee, although Medicare usually covers the doctors' visits.
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Some advantages of public care include:
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- different models of care are usually available within the hospital
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- mainstream care with a clinic and a team of doctors and midwives
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- out-of-hours clinics are often available
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- childcare is sometimes available on-site
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- facilities for high-risk pregnancies and very sick babies are usually on-site in major public hospitals.
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Some disadvantages of public care include:
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- it is unlikely that you will see the same doctor/midwife at each visit
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- the doctors and midwives you see when you are pregnant are not usually present in delivery, except for Midwife Team Care or in the Family Birth Centre
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- your choice of a male/female practitioner may not be available.
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Private obstetricians
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There are many obstetricians who provide quality care for pregnant women in a variety of locations. Your local doctor may help you to choose an obstetrician and can provide a referral.
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Some advantages of using an obstetrician include:
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- the same practitioner provides care throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period
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- the location of the practice may be more convenient to you
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- waiting room time is usually shorter than in public clinics.
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Some disadvantages of using an obstetrician include:
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- costly, if you have no private health insurance
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- there are extra costs not covered by health insurance
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- services that are free to public patients may incur a charge, e.g. blood tests, ultrasounds, childbirth education sessions, anaesthetists
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- the practitioner may be away during delivery and the covering practitioner may not be familiar to you
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- childcare is usually not available although most waiting rooms provide toys and books.
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Private midwives and homebirth
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There are midwives who provide private care for pregnant women. Usually the same midwife or small team of midwives will provide care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, including antenatal classes. Homebirthing may be an option, or some private midwives may accompany you to hospital. Medicare in Victoria does not cover this service, although some health insurance companies cover a large proportion of the cost. Contact Midwives in Private Practice if you have any queries.
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Important things to remember
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- There are a range of childbirth options. Think about your preferences and talk to hospitals as soon as possible to make sure you are clear about what you want and what is available.
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- If you are considering private care, make sure your private health insurance covers maternity care and that you are already through the waiting period (usually one year).
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For more information
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Maternity Coalition
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Web: http://www.maternitycoalition.org.au
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Midwives in Private Practice
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Tel: (03) 9704 2386
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Email: mipps@maternitycoalition.org.au
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Last updated Jan 2008
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