Choices for your pregnancy, birth and postnatal care
There are a number of different models of maternity care available. Choosing the best option of care for you will depend on your preferences, where you live and, in some instances your medical history.
If you’re not sure what’s best for you, discuss these options with your GP or a midwife at the hospital booking appointment (link to section 1.3).
Regardless of what option of maternity care you choose you will likely have between seven to ten antenatal visits through your pregnancy. The number of visits may vary depending on your individual needs, preferences and how your pregnancy is going.
Models of maternity care on the Mid North Coast
MNCLHD Maternity Services have different service capability which means, depending on your personal health history, previous birth experiences and pregnancy health, you may be recommended to birth at a facility best suited to the level of care you require, and/or have shared antenatal care between sites. Occasional this may also mean transfer to a higher-level service at Newcastle or Sydney who can provide more specialist service for you and your baby.
The model of maternity care best suited to your individual needs will be discussed at the booking in appointment at your local maternity service. Women can self-refer to this service or may be referred by a GP for pregnancy care. We encourage women to book their first visit as early as possible, preferably before 14 weeks.
Care at a MNCLHD maternity service is free for Medicare eligible women.
In the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) there are four hospitals which provide maternity services including antenatal, birthing, and postnatal care services.
To find out more about the maternity services offered at each hospital click on the hospital links below.
NSW Health supports culturally safe services for pregnant women by providing Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services (AMIHS). AMIHS is available to Aboriginal women, or women expecting Aboriginal babies and support pregnant women, their families and community.
AMIHS can help you with:
- your health during and after your pregnancy
- your baby’s health and how they’re growing.
You can use AMIHS as soon as you find out you are pregnant and until your baby is up to 8 weeks old.
Your pregnancy and community postnatal care will be provided by a midwife and Aboriginal Health Worker. You may also see a doctor within this model if there are any pre-existing health conditions or if any concerns develop throughout your pregnancy.
Birth and inpatient postnatal care for this service is led by the routine public care model. Care within this model is free for Medicare eligible women. To access these services, you can contact them directly or by referral at the hospital booking in appointment.
Finding a AMIHS service in the MNCLHD:
This is a model of care where some of your antenatal care is done through your GP and other milestone visits occur through the routine public hospital care model.
This model is free for Medicare eligible women, however there may be some gap payments associated with your chosen GP.
Please discuss these costs with your GP if you elect to have your care through this model. This model is available at all hospital sites.
Your care will be provided by an obstetrician who specialises in caring for women with complicated pregnancies or with special circumstances.
You will require a referral from your GP if you elect this model of care.
There are often out of pocket expenses associated with this model and we encourage you to discuss this with your chosen obstetrician and ensure they provide care through your chosen birthing hospital.
Private practicing midwife can provide antenatal, homebirth and postnatal services. You do not require a referral from your GP if you elect this model of care. If you’re interested in a privately practicing midwife or homebirth, we recommend you engage the services of a Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia eligible privately practicing midwife.
There are often out of pocket expenses associated with this model and we encourage you to discuss this with your chosen midwife.