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You have many options for where to stay with your child and choose what is right for you. As with any decision, there are many factors to consider – your choice, your health during pregnancy, your baby’s development, past experiences and your budget.
Women in Australia give birth in an antenatal clinic, antenatal clinic, birth center or home birth. Women can also change their mind about what is right for them after giving birth to their first child and choose to go to a different clinic for women with subsequent children.
Things to consider
In the end, you have to decide what is right for you, your partner and your child. It is important to consider your birth history when planning where to give birth. If you have a ‘high risk’ pregnancy, it is likely that you will be referred by your provider to a general antenatal clinic.
Many women consider pregnancy and birth to be a special time in their lives. Birth plans can be a great way to have the words and thoughts in control of labor and birth.
Choosing an antenatal care provider
Many women choose to see a GP for antenatal check-ups. As the due date approaches, their prenatal care is transferred to the maternity hospital where the baby will be born. Some women go to an obstetrician who will be there when the baby is born. Many obstetrician-gynecologists have local arrangements, or work in groups to prevent their failure.
If you choose to have a private obstetrician and deliver your baby at a private hospital, you will need health insurance. Medicare only covers some of the costs of a private obstetrician, even if not at a hospital. It is common for there to be a difference in fees between maternity and maternity fees and Medicare reimbursement.
Another option when you are pregnant is to go to an antenatal clinic to see a midwife who is employed at the antenatal clinic. Most hospitals use a ‘model of care’, carried out by midwives. Midwives and midwives are available for care and support. When you go into labor, you will be assisted by a midwife who works in the labor room. Medicare covers this.
Maternity centers also use a midwifery model of care where a team of midwives share the care of several mothers. When a woman goes into labor, one of the midwives you meet will support you during labor and delivery. Medicare also covers this procedure.
Some midwives work independently in private midwifery groups. Depending on their arrangements, their services may be reimbursed under Medicare and health insurance.
Where you can be with your child
Many Australian cities and towns have maternity clinics. In most cases, these are linked to public hospitals. Some only provide public care, although many offer a combination of public and private care. If your pregnancy is difficult, or there may be problems with the baby, for example, premature birth, you will be advised to go to a larger maternity hospital.
The birthing center is an opportunity for women with low birth weight. Large maternity hospitals often have a maternity ward with an operating room. In the maternity ward, a team of midwives provides care; however, obstetricians are also available if needed.
Many birth centers also offer water birth facilities. Hospitals develop their own guidelines for managing water births, although not all facilities offer this. Check what is available to you.
A home birth may be an option for healthy women with limited pregnancies. Having a baby at home means that some mothers feel free and in control. It is important to research all of your options and make an informed decision if you are considering a home birth.
Ten tips to consider when planning where to stay with your child
- Be guided by a women’s health provider who knows you and your background.
- Visit the hospital in anticipation to find out exactly what it offers. Ask as many questions as you need to be sure and have the information that will help you make the right decision about where to give birth to your baby.
- Talk to your health insurance provider if you plan to have your child in a private hospital. It is important that you know the level of cover you have. Keep in mind that most private insurers have a ‘waiting period’ to join until they offer medical treatment.
- If you are being treated by a general practitioner or midwife, you may be limited in your medical options as they will have the right to visit certain maternity clinics.
- Feel free to change your mind about where you can live with your child. What matters is that you have a safe birth that is right for you, your partner and your baby. Ultimately, you have options.
- How long should you stay in the hospital after your baby is born? As a rule, people stay longer in private maternity hospitals than in public ones.
- The medical philosophy behind the intervention is to support ‘natural fertility’. This is very important for many women.
- Getting to the hospital is a long walk.
- The total cost of living with your child.
- The clinic’s approach to childbirth and whether their model of care is compatible with your conception of birth.
About the Author:
Written by Nourish Baby and Jane Barry. Jane is fully qualified in paediatrics, immunisation, midwifery and pediatric nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) and has approximately 35 years of pediatric health nursing experience. She is a member of a number of professional associations including AHPRA, The Australasian Medical Writer’s Association and the Australian College of Children and Young People’s Nurses.
References
Pregnancy doctors: a guide for expectant parents | Raising Children Network
Maternity & birth care: public hospitals | Raising Children Network
RACGP – Mothers and babies in Australia
Medicare providers – Medicare services for the pregnancy, pregnancy and birth – Services Australia Australian mothers and babies, maternal age – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)