Just for 2 seconds can we focus on the big breakthrough in womens maternity care

[~mamaspice~]

wow i think thats excellent,
me being a high risk patient im happy with that altho i wouldn't have the $$$ to hire one but good for other ppl

You never know Squidipa, with the medicare rebate an IM may not be too far out of your reach.

[fionas]

That's fantastic. One question - can you birth with that midwife in a private hospital or only public? Presume that in a private hospital you still have to have a designated (and paid for) ob - is that right?

And can you have both - so a midwife AND an ob (if you pay for it). Realise that sounds like overkill but I'd actually like both. Midwife to birth with me and ob to do any medical stuff that MAY be required. Would actually like to know both people before going to hospital and getting up the pointy end (so to speak).

[Salsa]

I am so pleased to hear this.
I found it very hard not having continuity of care with my last pregnacy. I dont think I saw anyone twice even the same ob! I was dealing with a vbac and continuity would have made a big difference to my stress etc.
having had my first baby in NZ I cannot believe how backwards Australia maternity system seems to be, so yes this is actually a big step forward! Yippee.

[~mamaspice~]

I am so pleased to hear this.
I found it very hard not having continuity of care with my last pregnacy. I dont think I saw anyone twice even the same ob! I was dealing with a vbac and continuity would have made a big difference to my stress etc.
having had my first baby in NZ I cannot believe how backwards Australia maternity system seems to be, so yes this is actually a big step forward! Yippee.

Thats exactly what has held me back from wanting to VBAC in the public system as there are no continuity of care options available in my region (apart from the birth centre which doesn't take on VBAC's). And that's why to me, the new legislation is so great

[~mamaspice~]

That's fantastic. One question - can you birth with that midwife in a private hospital or only public? Presume that in a private hospital you still have to have a designated (and paid for) ob - is that right?

And can you have both - so a midwife AND an ob (if you pay for it). Realise that sounds like overkill but I'd actually like both. Midwife to birth with me and ob to do any medical stuff that MAY be required. Would actually like to know both people before going to hospital and getting up the pointy end (so to speak).

Thats a great question Fiona,

I'd say you would definately still have to have your own OB.
Wouldn't it be great if you could have midwifery lead care at a private hospital though.

[fionas]

Yep, it shouldn't be toooooo much to ask to have TRUE continuity of care which in my book is having a relationship with everyone who is with you during labour and may deliver your baby. I wasn't very cluey last time so I went to a private obstetrician but now, I'm very, very happy with him and would trust him with my (and DS or DD's) life. But obviously he's not going to be there for the duration of the labour, hence I would also like to get to know a midwife. But I guess the best choice for me is a doula.

[~ Mylitta ~]

This sounds like a great improvement. I have Kyson in a private hospital and while my Ob was fantastic, I never once saw a midwife until I was in labour. It would have been nice to have known the people that were going to be with me while I was birthing my son, rather than a couple of strangers. That's not to say they weren't great, because they were, but it would have been nice to have known them beforehand.

[Visitor8]

that's great news A step forward is better than no steps at all

[~mamaspice~]

This sounds like a great improvement. I have Kyson in a private hospital and while my Ob was fantastic, I never once saw a midwife until I was in labour. It would have been nice to have known the people that were going to be with me while I was birthing my son, rather than a couple of strangers. That's not to say they weren't great, because they were, but it would have been nice to have known them beforehand.

krystieLove, I sooo know what you mean. Especially considering the OB only pops in from time to time and then re-appears for the actual birth.