Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing your maternity care provider often comes with many questions.
Below are answers to common questions about private midwifery care, homebirth, hospital birth support, and postpartum services.
If you don’t see your question here, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
Informed decisions come from clear information.
✔ Endorsed Private Practice Midwife (AHPRA Registered)
✔ Medicare Eligible Provider
✔ IBCLC Lactation Consultant
✔ Supporting Perth Families Pregnancy → Birth → Postpartum
Understanding Private Midwifery Care
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A private midwife provides personalised maternity care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Unlike standard maternity models where you may see different providers at each appointment, private midwifery offers continuity of care, meaning you build a relationship with a known midwife who supports you throughout your journey.Care includes antenatal appointments, birth support (homebirth or hospital birth depending on your plan), and postnatal care after your baby arrives.
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Private midwifery offers continuity of care, meaning you are supported by the same midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
This allows:
A trusting relationship to develop
Individualised care planning
Consistent clinical understanding of your pregnancy
Greater emotional support and confidence during birth
Many families find this continuity deeply reassuring.
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No — I support both homebirth and hospital birth.
Homebirth is a core part of my practice, however care remains flexible and responsive to your preferences and clinical needs. -
I provide private midwifery care for families in the Eastern Perth Hills area and Wheatbelt area, including Perth and surrounding areas.
Antenatal and postnatal visits usually take place in your home.
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Yes. Endorsed midwives can order blood tests, ultrasounds and prescribe medications related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
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Appointments are usually:
• every 4–6 weeks until 32 weeks
• every two weeks until 37 weeks
• weekly until birthVisits are typically 1–2 hours long, allowing time for education and discussion.
Positive Pregnancy Test
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You can book as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test. Early pregnancy consultations can help you understand your next steps, arrange appropriate investigations and explore your pregnancy care options.
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Absolutely. Many women book because they are unsure what happens next and would like personalised guidance during the early weeks of pregnancy.
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Yes. Many women find additional support and reassurance helpful during a subsequent pregnancy. Your consultation provides dedicated time to discuss your concerns, questions and individual care needs.
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Appointments are conducted via secure telehealth, allowing you to access care and support from the comfort of your own home. Details for joining your appointment will be provided when you book.
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No. You can book an Early Pregnancy Consultation directly without a referral.
Homebirth & Safety
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For women experiencing healthy low-risk pregnancies, attended by a qualified and endorsed midwife, planned homebirth is supported by research and professional guidelines and considered a safe option within appropriate clinical guidelines.
Throughout pregnancy, labour, and birth, your midwife continuously assesses both maternal and baby wellbeing. Care follows national consultation and referral guidelines, meaning if anything falls outside normal parameters, recommendations and transfer pathways are discussed early and clearly.
Safety is supported through:
• Careful eligibility assessment
• Ongoing clinical review
• Preparation and planning
• Clear transfer pathways if requiredGuidance aligns with organisations such as:
Australian College of Midwives
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and GynaecologistsThe goal is always the same: support physiological birth while maintaining clinical safety.
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If additional care is needed, transfer to hospital is arranged promptly and you are supported throughout the process.
Care remains continuous — you are not navigating this alone.
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Your midwife brings professional clinical equipment similar to what is used for normal birth care in hospital settings, including:
Maternal and fetal monitoring equipment
Emergency medications and oxygen
Suturing equipment
Neonatal resuscitation equipment
Instruments required for immediate newborn assessment
Equipment is set up discreetly so your birth environment remains calm and familiar rather than clinical.
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Yes.
Private midwives are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and must:
Maintain ongoing professional development each year
Demonstrate clinical competency in emergency skills
Follow national consultation and referral guidelines
Hold professional indemnity insurance (for antenatal and postnatal care)
This ensures safe, accountable, and evidence-based practice.
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Yes. Endorsed midwives can order blood tests, ultrasounds and prescribe medications related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Birth Experience Questions
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Private midwifery care focuses on supporting physiological birth using evidence-based comfort measures such as:
Water immersion
Positioning and movement
Breathwork and relaxation techniques
Continuous one-to-one support
If at any time you decide you would prefer medical pain relief, transfer to hospital can be arranged.
You remain in control of your choices throughout labour.
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Yes — many families choose to include older children.
Because children often meet the midwife during antenatal visits, they usually feel comfortable and secure when labour begins. Some children sleep through the birth, while others choose to be present for parts of the experience.
We discuss preparation strategies during pregnancy so everyone feels supported and safe.
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Most families are surprised by how contained birth actually is.
Preparation involves simple protective coverings and, if using a birth pool, most fluids remain within the water. After birth, your midwife remains with you for several hours supporting feeding, recovery, and newborn adjustment — and will assist with packing down equipment before leaving.
Your focus stays where it belongs: resting and bonding with your baby.
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Private midwifery care includes an organised backup midwife system.
While it is uncommon for births to occur simultaneously, you will be introduced to your backup midwife during pregnancy so that, if needed, you are still supported by someone familiar with your care plan and philosophy.
Hospital Birth & Collaborative Care
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Yes. Private midwifery care can support women planning hospital birth while maintaining continuity and a known provider.
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Yes — I have admitting rights at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) including FSH Family Birth Centre. This allows continuity of care and support within hospital settings where appropriate.
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Transfer pathways are planned in advance.
If additional medical support is needed during pregnancy or labour, transfer to hospital may be recommended.Because I have admitting rights at local hospitals, care can continue in a hospital setting when appropriate.
Safety and wellbeing for mother and baby are always the priority.
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Care is collaborative. Referrals to GPs, obstetricians or other specialists are arranged when clinically indicated.
Navigating Care in Perth
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This is common in Perth due to limited availability.
Private midwifery care offers continuity without relying on hospital program intake. -
Access is limited and criteria can be restrictive.
Private care provides an alternative pathway for women wanting this option. -
This is assessed individually, based on safe transfer planning and your specific circumstances.
Antenatal & Postnatal Care
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Yes — antenatal care can be provided privately or in collaboration with hospital care providers.
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Yes — postnatal care is provided in your home, supporting recovery, newborn care and feeding.
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Yes — I am an IBCLC and provide specialised lactation support.
Booking & Investment
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Eligible services may attract Medicare rebates as part of endorsed midwifery care.
This can be discussed in detail during your consultation.
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Yes
Payment options can be discussed to support accessibility while maintaining quality of care.
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The first step is booking an obligation-free discovery conversation where we discuss:
Your pregnancy
Your birth preferences
Care options available to you
Whether we are the right fit for each other
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As early as possible in pregnancy.
Client numbers are limited to maintain availability for labour and birth. -
The care package usually includes:
• antenatal appointments throughout pregnancy
• on-call support for labour and birth
• attendance at birth by two midwives
• postnatal visits until six weeks after birthAppointments are longer and provide time for education, preparation and questions.
Still Have Questions?
The best way to understand your options is to talk through your individual situation.
Book a discovery call to explore whether private midwifery care is right for you.