Midwives In Private Practice
For centuries midwives have worked among their communities providing care to women. Historically midwives have held a philosophy of care based on the belief that pregnancy is, basically, a healthy process and a normal part of life, growth and development. It is this belief that guides the way in which midwives in private practice work. Midwives choosing to work privately, rather than being employed by hospitals and other institutions, do so because it allows them to be flexible about the care they provide. That is, the care offered will be in partnership, directed primarily by the wishes of the women and their families.
The private practitioner midwife is able to provide continuity of care to the families who have chosen to use her services. During the pregnancy, the woman and her family develop a friendly supportive relationship with their midwife (in some cases eg homebirth, the care is shared by two midwives). On the day the baby is born the midwife remains with the woman throughout the entire labour. There are no shift changes that require the midwife to leave. During the first week of the baby's life the same midwife visits each day until the baby has settled into a feeding pattern and the parents feel confident in caring for their new baby.
Some midwives in private practice choose to work in specific areas. For example, some may offer postnatal care, or advice with difficult breastfeeding problems (Lactation Consultants) or Maternal and Child Health (M&CHN). In addition, some midwives are skilled and have qualifications in complementary areas such as acupuncture, counselling, naturopathy, chiropractic, massage or homeopathy.
The range of services provided:
Pre-pregnancy advice
Advice about birth options
Childbirth education classes
Sibling preparation classes
Continuous midwifery care during pregnancy
Preparation for and attendance at births in an appropriate environment of the parents' choice
Postnatal care following birth at home, birth centre or hospital
Separate postnatal care for women who want private midwifery care for this period only or who are discharged home early from hospital
Lactation consultancy
Acupuncture and Chiropractic
Referral to and advice about other health professionals such as medical and natural health practitioners, eg obstetricians, paediatricians, GPs, chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, homeopaths
Some midwives have a special interest and expertise in supporting women in special areas such as vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), breech births, water births and postnatal depression.
The private practitioner midwives listed are fully qualified midwives who work in consultation with medical practitioners when appropriate. All are members of Midwives in Private Practice (MIPP), which is based in Victoria. To apply to become a member of MIPP or to renew your membership see here For information on services elsewhere, see the links page.
For more information please contact:
Andrea Bilcliff
Email:
mipps@maternitycoalition.org.au
Ph: 9704 2386 or
Midwives in Private Practice (MIPP)
8 Raleigh Drive, Narre Warren South, VIC 3805
So...I'm having a homebirth...need some support!
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One to one midwifery care is the BEST! I would suggest as first thing to do is call a few midwives, interview them and see who you click with. Many of them have a way of making you feel safe and important, but of course people look for different things in their carers - nurturing approach, confident approach, trusting... so whats right for you might not be right for others. Check out the IM recommendations forum, FYI: I know Kylie Shaw Wallace is lovely but is taking a break from work at the moment. 
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