One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in pregnancy is one you might not even realise you’re making early on—who will care for you and where you’ll give birth.
Your care provider and birth setting have a huge impact on your labour and birth experience, but many women make this choice without knowing how different care models can impact the type of birth they have and the likelihood of birth interventions
Key topics in this episode:
The different models of maternity care in Australia
How birth outcomes vary depending on care provider & birth setting
What Hannah Dahlen’s study found about birth outcomes in private vs public hospitals
Why continuity of care is considered the gold standard (Cochrane Review findings)
Ask a Midwife segment: What to do if you can’t access a continuity model in your area
💡 Want to learn more about your options? Grab my free guide Choosing the Right Pregnancy Care for You to help you navigate your choices with confidence! 👉 Download here
This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly
Resources & Citations:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Australia’s Mothers and Babies 2023 (data from 2021). Read the full report here
Dahlen H. et al. (2012). Birth outcomes in Australian private vs. public hospitals.
Sandall J. et al. (2016). Midwife-led continuity models vs. other models of care for childbearing women (Cochrane Review).
Dahlen, H. G., Schmid, H., Bisits, A., et al. (2020). Women’s experiences of maternity care in Australia. La Trobe University.
Evidence Based Birth - Evidence for Doulas Article Evidence for Doulas
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Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.