I have gone through a midwifery group practice in a public hospital and have had a fantastic experience with both DD's and Im seeing the same midwife this time around too

I had premature rupture of membranes at around 36 weeks with both DD's and was technically change over to obstetric care, however both times I saw a Dr for about 5 minutes in total and had my midwife with me through out. Even though I had PROM with DD1 without labour I was able to go home on OAB ang given a chance to establish labour naturally which it did. With DD2 labour started when my waters broke. As I was preterm the hospital policy was to use fetal monitoring but I was able to use it wirelessly. I delined antibiotics with DD2 and my decision was respected. With DD I did have a registrar ask me to stop walking so much as the monitor wasn't working well when I was doing laps of the ward but my midwife stepped in and suggested we monitor a couple of contractions while I was standing still, everything was fine so I continued my walking.

I could have had a water birth if I was at term. I could not deliver in the birth centre due to being only 36 weeks however there was a shower, fit ball, mat, bean bag, heat packs and my midwife got some clary sage oil to help progress labour when it slowed down. As the model of care I had chosen is based upon a more natural view off childbirth analgesia wasn't offered but I knew if I requested it it would be available.

I also liked the pre and post natal care I had. The midwife visited me at home or I went to her in a local community centre prior to the birth which was great when I was pregnant with DD2 as no long drives to the hospital or huge waiting lines. The post natal care was fantastic. I think I had visits the 4 times the first week with DD2 (we went home the day after she was born) then weekly for a few weeks which is much more frequently than the regular maternity care follow up

I honestly think in Australia it depends on your carer as to whether they listen to your needs and seek permission for interventions, they all 'should' legally and ethically but that doesn't always happen. I think wherever you are getting a chance to learn about your caregiver and their practices and building a trusting relationship is the most important thing. I cant imagine going through birth woth a complete stranger caring for me

I hope you get the birth you want