If you don’t know your options, you don’t have a choice! YOUR birthing options in Macarthur NSW
- Lucy Denny
- Jun 8, 2022
- 9 min read
For me, the 1st trimester of pregnancy was quite overwhelming, a mix of emotions if you will. I am an IVF mum, so we did take the scenic route to parenthood, however like all first-time mum’s my worries and concerns were the same. From peeing on the stick, bright pink lines confirming your life is about to change, sharing your special news with your friends and family, dating scans, overthinking what the nursery will look like, what pram you want/need (Do you really need the $2000 bugaboo), will I need bottles even though I intend to breastfeed, why are babies so bloody expensive? My mind was in overdrive, and I must admit, unless you have done your research, it is unlikely you are aware of your birthing options and that you have choices.
Not many people will ask you; Where do you want to birth your baby? Do you know all your birthing options? Do you feel informed and able to make a choice that will best you and your partner?
When we fell pregnant with Reggie, the social norm was that “Private Health Insurance” would be the best option for us. What most couples are unaware of is that, even though you are paying a monthly premium for “Private Health Insurance” once pregnant and you have chosen an OB, you will still have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Including, but not limited to obstetrician appointments, scans, private hospital administration and the list goes on.
So, this blog is to make sure you are aware of your options. I want you to be fully informed and choose a birth option that best suits you and your family. You mama, deserve to birth on your terms.
In this blog I will be covering the following in the Macarthur region, NSW.
- Midwifery care
- Homebirth & Freebirth
- Hospital options
MIDWIFERY GROUP PRACTICE (MGP)
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) provides continuity of care with a named midwife for your pregnancy, the birth of your baby and for follow up postnatal care at home.
You will be allocated a midwife, who will be “YOUR” midwife from throughout your pregnancy. Keep in mind, midwives can’t be on call 24/7, 365 days a year – so if you go into labour when your midwife is on their RDO or booked annual leave, you will have their back-up which you would’ve met and possibly had some antenatal care with throughout your pregnancy.
The service books out very quickly, usually you would need to book prior to 8 weeks. Care can start from 14-16 weeks. The antenatal appointments take place at both Camden and Campbelltown Hospital, and it is important to note that the birthing suite for both hospitals, is located at Campbelltown Hospital.
To put your name down for the MGP program you will need to contact the Antenatal Clinic Appointments and Enquires via phone: (02) 4634 4963
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE MIDWIFE
You have the option to choose your own midwife. They will facilitate all antennal appointments in the comfort of your own home, attend your birth and offer an extensive postnatal program. Private Midwifes predominantly attend Homebirths, but some can attend select Public Hospitals. This is a fantastic advantage, especially in the event you may require a transfer they are still able to be your caregiver. Not all midwives have admitting rights so make sure you always check prior to booking, just so you know your options.
Private Midwives provide optimal support and trust in a woman’s body and capabilities to birth – they believe in physiological births. Most are required to do additional training so they can order tests or prescribe some medication if required, this is a great advantage as you will not need to see your GP or an OB for referrals.
I must emphasise, going down this route isn’t cheap, but I have NEVER ever heard mothers say “They regret hiring a Private Midwife”. Quite often it is the complete opposite, mothers yelling from the rooftops and telling everyone who will listen, “My midwife was worth their weight in gold”, “I would’ve paid double the asking price to have the experience I did”. The going rates for independent midwives within the Macarthur region varies from $4000 – $8000. On some occasions Medicare can and will cover some of this cost, as long as they are Medicare endorsed.
I have listed below private midwifery services in the area below:
- Geesje (Geesha) McGuire
Service Area: South East & South Western Sydney and Southern Highlands
P: 0477 999 845
- With Woman Midwifery Care. Rachele Meredith
Service Area: Sydney, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands
P: 0421 721 497
- Melanie the Midwife
Service Area: Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Campbelltown and Western Suburbs
P: 0425 280 682
- Robyn Dempsey
Service area: Sydney suburbs and lower Blue Mountains
P:0412 678 765
E:midwiferobyn@optusnet.com.au
- Jacqui Wood
Service area: Blue Mountains, Sydney and surrounds
P:0430 109 400
E:midwifejac@gmail.com
- Chantel Letertre
Service area: Sydney and surrounding areas
P:0414 805 736
E: midwife.chantel@gmail.com
W: midwifetomother.com.au
- Midwife Jo – Jo Hunter
Service area: Blue Mountains, Western Sydney and the Inner West
P:0412 315 228
E:midwifejo@bigpond.com
HOMEBIRTH
For thousands of years, women have been giving birth in the comfort of their own home. It is highly likely one of your parents or grandparents was delivered at home (My grandfather was born on the beach in Port Chalmers, NZ 94 years ago). In fact, childbearing women did not make the move from home to hospital until the 20th century! These days, there is a common misconception that Homebirths are unsafe. Many studies have been undertaken over the years about Homebirths, with the largest study being completed in Netherlands. Why the Netherlands you may ask, because it has the highest rate of home births in the world, with 30% of Dutch woman giving birth in their home each year.
“This study shows that planning a home birth does not increase the risks of perinatal mortality and severe perinatal morbidity among low-risk women, provided the maternity care system facilitates this choice through the availability of well-trained midwives and through a good transportation and referral system. (2009)” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19624439
Many women choose home birth not only because they may feel safer but are able to be surrounded and supported by their chosen birth team, and not worry about policies that are present and enforced with-in the hospital system.
FREEBIRTH
Freebirth is the practice of women birthing their baby without medical or midwifery assistance. Just you, your birth team and the baby/babies that are ready to enter our world.
You may be challenged by friends, family, and even medical professionals once you have made the decision to homebirth or freebirth your baby. Someone always knows someone who’s had a complicated or high-risk pregnancy and they will insist that you absolutely must deliver your baby at the hospital or else. Remember, this is your baby, your body and your choice. Do not feel pressured or discouraged. It’s all about what you think is best for you and your baby and your family.
If you would like to utilise a birth pool for your homebirth or freebirth, you are able to hire or purchase a birth pool. I have listed a few options below for you.
PUBLIC HOSPITAL
Public hospitals are run by government. In the public hospital system, your pregnancy and birth care are mostly free and covered by Medicare. If you choose to give birth in a public hospital and once you have confirmed your pregnancy with your GP, all antenatal appointments will be at your local Hospital. You will see different midwives and doctors throughout your pregnancy. Some women are OK with this, whereas others prefer to see the same midwife or doctor. During your birth you will be looked after by midwives, but doctors will be available if their assistance is needed.
There are four two Public Hospitals within the MacArthur region.
- Camden Hospital
- Campbelltown Hospital
It is important to note, Camden Hospital do not have a maternity ward. You will birth your baby at Campbelltown Hospital if you choose to birth at a public hospital.
GP SHARED CARE
GP shared care is an arrangement between your GP and birthing hospital. Women who choose GP shared care often like this option because they’re familiar with their GP, their GP knows their medical history.
All antenatal appointments are completed with your GP up until approx. 20 weeks pregnant, you will then have an initial appointment at the share care hospital of choice. If there are no complications in your pregnancy your antenatal care will still be with your GP until 36 weeks. From 36 weeks onwards, all appointments will be completed at the Hospital until your birth your baby or babies.
To find out your local GP’s who offer GP shared care, call the Antenatal Clinic via phone: (02) 4634 4963
PRIVATE HOSPITAL
If you choose to give birth in a private hospital it is VERY important to make sure you have added “Maternity Cover” to your private health insurance, this extra often needs to be active for at least a year before birth to be eligible. In short, if you have just added maternity cover to your health insurance, and you fall pregnant with-in the next three months, you won’t be covered. You still have the option to birth in a Private Hospital, but you will be out of pocket an exceptional amount. It’s also important to note that private hospitals don’t always have medical facilities for more intensive or complex care needs. If you do go into very premature labour or you or your baby have serious health problems, you might be taken to a public hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or a special care nursery (SCN).
If you’ve already decided that you want to give birth in a private hospital, your GP will give you a referral to an obstetrician. If you’ve already chosen your obstetrician, this usually determines which private hospital you go to for the birth.
An Obstetrician is a surgically individual who specialises in managing complications in pregnancy and birth. It is important to be aware that there is a higher percentage of woman delivering their babies via caesarean in private hospitals. Check out the below table via the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
When choosing an Obstetrician, make sure you shop around. Have at least 3 OB’s you will be meeting and have a list of questions for them to ensure they are willing to support your birth choices.
Once you have chosen your Obstetrician you will have antenatal meetings with your OB from 12 weeks until birth. A heads up, there will be a management fee for the OB which can range anywhere from $1500 to $4000 sometimes a litter higher. Your antenatal appointments will also incur a fee which your private health insurance does not cover, however Medicare may cover part of these fees’.
Your private health insurance covers some of the Hospital Stay, but not necessarily all of it. Make sure to ask what the out of pocket expenses are prior to being admitted and birthing your baby.
You will get your own private room and will be able to stay in Hospital for up to 3 days post-delivery for a Vaginal birth or 5-7 days for caesarean.
Many private hospitals have large, air-conditioned birthing suites, usually with ensuite and shower and sometimes baths however, most private hospitals don't allow water births, so make sure speak to your OB about your options. Many private hospitals have beds for partners, or a double bed, so your partner can stay overnight with you, the rooms are spacious, and I’ve been told the food is Michelin star quality (that’s saying something considering hospital food is pretty shit!). The option to stay in hospital after birthing your baby for a few extra days is fantastic, not only for first time mum to get the extra support and from midwifes, but also for mum with older kids. They have the opportunity, to bond with their baby put their feet up and rest before diving into their new life with the new addition in tow.
DOULA
A Doula is trained and experienced in childbirth and provides physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and after birth.
However, this definition doesn't successfully explain exactly what Doula's 'do'. It also doesn't include the fact that most doulas (including myself) work closely with you and your partner throughout your entire pregnancy, birth and into postpartum period. Providing you both with current evidence-based information so you feel empowered to make choices that feel right for you. I support powerful woman to birth on their terms.
Did you know, research proves that having a Doula increases birth satisfaction and lowers intervention rates?
Every single birth is different which means every single client is different. Building a close relationship with your chosen doula, so you feel safe and supported is so important. Doula’s can offer a variety of packages that suit their individual clients.
Just to recap, choosing a care provider that is right for you is one of the most important decisions you can make during your pregnancy. Trust your gut and follow your instincts to make this choice, and when making any decisions in the lead up to and during your birth. It can set you up for the best possible journey, no matter the outcome.
Images sourced from:
Freebirth Birth photos used with permission from family
Doula Artwork by Marlene L’Abbe
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