By JO HARRISON
MIDWIFERY Group Practice (MGP) is a new service available at Armidale Hospital that allows women to be cared for by one midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks afterwards.
Nursing Unit Manager of Maternity and Paediatrics at Armidale Hospital Siubhan Davies says the model provides women with more continuity of care with a focus on normal birth.
“Research has shown that women who have continuity of care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth have better outcomes,” Siubhan Davies said.
“Having someone you know looking after you helps to reduce the fear associated with all aspects of birth.”
The service is provided at Armidale Hospital and is available in addition to the hospital’s traditional obstetric and midwifery services.
The MGP has four full-time equivalent positions shared by five midwives who no longer work a regular rostered system; they are on call and see a case load of women each.
The first baby through the program is due in early August.
MGP is offered to women considered low risk and provides a one-on-one relationship with their midwife.
Sorrell Forman from Armidale who is expecting her second child was keen to be involved in the MGP after experiencing a difficult birth with her first child.
“I heard about the new group practice through the midwives clinic,” Sorrell said.
“Being able to have the same person through my pregnancy is what attracted me to the program.
“I had a really difficult birth with my first child so it will be great to have someone who understands what I went through previously. And after the birth having that consistency of advice will help as well.”
MGP supports existing ante and post natal options at Armidale Hospital which include Midwifery Care through the existing midwives clinic and an obstetric clinic for high risk pregnancies.
Women may also choose to access care with general practitioners who have obstetric qualifications.
