I had three of my boys in NZ with the same independant midwife for all of them. She was really lovely and mother like I really developed a great bond with her.
She looked after us for the 6 weeks post birth too and loved being able to see the how the older boys were growing.

I had my last two babies here and although I can fault the care the continuity just wasnt there. I did choose to do the midwife programme with Peppar and I saw the same midwife for my visits, but come labour time it was whoever was on shift.
I even had a shift change when I was in labour with Scout and I was transitioning with my legs in the air when a new midwife came in to introduce herself!!!

I prefer NZ pregnancy care and the after care is awesome. I fully believe Australia should stop the baby bonus and put the money into something like Plunket in NZ. Health care nurses that take over from your midwives at 6 weeks and follow your childs wellbeing with free checks until they are five. I miss plunket