Midwifery Group Practice

Evidence shows that a woman who receives care from a known midwife is more likely to have a normal birth of a healthy baby at term, have a more positive experience of labour and birth, be more satisfied with her care, and successfully breastfeed.

This kind of care is available to prospective mums in Wide Bay through our Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) models. MGP offers individualised, woman-centred care with your own midwife throughout your pregnancy. They or their partner midwife will be on call for your labour and birth and will provide follow-up visits at home with your baby.

This is called continuity of care.

This midwife works with a small group of other midwives, known as a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP). If you are accepted into the MGP for your pregnancy care, you will get to meet the other midwives in the MGP during your pregnancy.

Who is eligible for Midwifery Group Practice care?

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) care is offered to women with no to moderate complicating health factors, who wish to have a normal birth.

Due to the distance required for postnatal home visits, MGP care also has geographical boundaries (within 20km of Bundaberg or Hervey Bay Hospitals). MGP care will be offered after consideration of each woman’s general health and individual needs. If you are considered suitable but there are no places available, you can be placed on a waiting list. In the meantime, your care will be provided by the care provider of your choice.

Numbers in this model are limited, therefore early referral (8–10 weeks if possible) from your GP is recommended. A GP referral does not guarantee you a place in the MGP.

Other things you need to know about MGP

• Your pregnancy care and education needs will be individualised to you (and your partner).
• Your care will be provided mainly at the MGP rooms.
• Any additional care you require with a doctor, physiotherapist, dietitian etc, will be arranged by your MGP midwife.

Labour and birth

• All births will be at the hospital.
• You should call your MGP midwife when you are ready to go to hospital. Your MGP midwife will attend or call a back-up MGP midwife, to care for you in labour.
• The MGP midwife will also be in attendance if a planned induction or caesarean birth is needed.

Post-birth care

• You are encouraged to go home as soon as possible after your birth (6–24 hours) if you are sufficiently recovered and comfortable to do so.
• If you require a longer hospital stay, you will be cared for by the skilled and friendly ward midwives. Your midwife will visit regularly until discharge.
• You will receive postnatal care from your MGP midwife to provide support and education to assist you caring for and feeding your baby.
• You will be introduced to our highly experienced Child Health staff so they can provide continued support as needed.