New national maternity data confirms Queensland sets the benchmark for Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), a model consistently linked to better outcomes for mums and bubs.
Widely considered the ‘gold standard’ in maternity care, MGP provides women with one known midwife supported by a multidisciplinary team throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period (up to six weeks after birth).
The program provides tailored individualised care that supports informed choices, shared decision-making, and culturally safe care for women and their families.
Having one go-to midwife for the entire pregnancy journey means they can build strong, trusting relationships with women which is linked to less stress, better outcomes, increased satisfaction and healthier mums and bubs.
MGP is now the second most common maternity model in Australia, accounting for 16 per cent of all models of care in 2025.
Queensland, alongside South Australia, leads the country with 26 per cent of women accessing MGP. Queensland also has one of the highest numbers of services offering this continuity of care model.
Queensland’s strong uptake reflects its commitment to expanding access to high quality, evidence based maternity care.
“It takes away so much anxiety.”
Having the same midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period helps women accessing the Midwifery Group Practice feel safer, more empowered, more confident, and far less anxious at every stage of their journey.
For Riana, a Hervey Bay mum of two who birthed both her children through MGP at Hervey Bay Hospital, the relationships she built with her midwives became deeply meaningful.
Clinical Midwife Jess Williamson was Riana’s primary midwife during her first pregnancy. She went on maternity leave just as Riana fell pregnant again but returned in time to support the birth of her second baby.
“That was really special. Amy was my midwife for my second pregnancy, but she had also been part of my journey with my eldest, so I was really lucky to know them both so well,” Riana said.
Riana with her two children Carter (left) and Jayce (right).
“With my first child I was anxious, everything was new. Having the same team the whole way through made such a difference.
“Because you work with the same people and build that rapport, they get to know you really well and can advocate for you even better.
“It’s a very special moment and I was blessed to have both Jess and Amy there for the birth of my second child.”
Riana said the continuity helped her feel more in control of her birth choices.
“The continuity of care takes away some of the fear. Birth can be such a vulnerable time and having someone you already know walk into the room makes all the difference,” Riana said.
“I didn’t want pain relief, and both my midwives knew that. When I was struggling, they supported me instead of offering an epidural, because they understood it wasn’t what I wanted.
“Being with my two midwives allowed them to advocate for my natural birth choices and knowing that everyone understood and respected my birthing choices made the experience a lot calmer for me."
Patient-centred care that adapts to women
Clinical Midwife Jess, who has worked in MGP at Hervey Bay Hospital for the past six years, said the model works so well because of the relationships and bonds made between midwife and mum, just like it did for her and Riana.
“We develop such a strong rapport with the women, and because we know what’s valuable to them, we can provide truly individualised care to each mum,” Jess said.
Jess explained that continuity doesn’t just improve clinical outcomes, it changes how women feel about their entire pregnancy and birth experience.
“They feel valued and listen to. They don’t have to retell their story, and that alone takes away so much stress,” she said.
Jess said many women share that their midwife becomes more than just a healthcare professional during pregnancy and birth - they become a trusted presence and steady source of support, one that often leaves a lasting connection.
“We are often touched to receive messages and photos in the years that follow, sharing updates on how their children are growing and thriving,” she said.
“Seeing them flourish throughout their whole journey is incredibly empowering - for them and for us.
“It’s not uncommon for women to return to MGP for their second, third, or even fourth baby.
“That’s one of the biggest compliments - when mums come back again and again. It shows how much they value that continuity and trust.”
Accessing Midwifery Group Practice
Speak to your GP about accessing Midwifery Group Practice at your local hospital.