Pregnancy Care Options in Perth
Pregnancy and the transition to motherhood is no doubt a transformative experience, and selecting the right primary care provider is crucial for a positive and personalised birthing journey. In Perth, Western Australia, a variety of pregnancy care options exist, each offering unique advantages. Understanding these options will empower you to make informed decisions that align with your preferences and needs.
1. Private/Endorsed Midwife:
Benefits:
- Personalised Care: Private midwives offer one-on-one, personalised care with the option of having visits in the comfort of your home. Some private midwives offer home birth and some may or may not be able to care for you in your hospital birth. If your private midwife is not able to offer labour and birth care, you can still birth in your local catchment hospital and your private midwife will continue to care for you once you are discharged.
- Continuity of Care: Building a relationship with the same midwife throughout the pregnancy, labour, and postnatal period.
- Empowerment: Emphasis on shared decision-making and empowering you and your birth team throughout the journey. There will be plenty of opportunity for education and preparation for labour and birth.
- Medicare Rebates: A portion of your midwife’s fees for antenatal and postnatal care are eligible for rebates from Medicare.
- Pathology & Ultrasounds: Your private midwife can request your blood tests and ultrasounds, and prescribe pregnancy-related medications as needed.
2. Public Hospital Care:
Benefits:
- Accessibility: General hospital care is widely accessible, providing care to all women regardless of any risk factors in pregnancy.
- Medicare-supported: Public hospital care is Medicare-funded for those with a Medicare card.
3. Midwifery Group Practice (CMP and Family Birth Centre KEMH/FSH):
Benefits:
- Continuity of Care: Midwifery care provided throughout pregnancy, labour, and the early postnatal period. You will be assigned a primary midwife and will sometimes be seen by a backup midwife.
- Family-Centred Approach: Family Birth Centre emphasises a low-intervention, family-centred birthing experience for healthy, low-risk women.
- Medicare supported: This option is Medicare-funded for Medicare cardholders.
4. Private Obstetrician in a Private Hospital:
Benefits:
- Choice and Control: Private obstetrician-care allow you to choose your doctor and birth hospital.
- Private Facilities: Special facilities mean your partner is able to stay with you overnight in the days after birth.
- Private Health Rebates: If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for rebates on your obstetrician’s fees.
Choosing the Right Option for You:
When deciding on the most suitable pregnancy care option, consider your individual preferences, medical history, and the level of support you desire. Reflect on factors such as the importance of continuity of care, the desire for a home birth, or the preference for a private hospital setting. Open communication with potential care providers and thorough research on each option will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs.
Conclusion:
Your choice in care provider is an individual one. Just because your sister or friend had a particular model of care, it doesn’t mean that will be right for you too. Your choice in care provider will make a huge impact on your overall experience. By understanding these choices, you can confidently choose the primary care provider that resonates most with your needs and wishes in this transformational journey.
Definitions:
Antenatal: before birth/during pregnancy
Postnatal: the period after birth (usually for the first 6 weeks)
Obstetrician: a physician or surgeon qualified to practise in pregnancy, birth and postpartum
Medicare: publicly funded universal health care insurance scheme in Australia
KEMH: King Edward Memorial Hospital (Subiaco)
FSH: Fiona Stanley Hospital (Murdoch)
