Children and Babies – Birthing Options

It’s important that you and your partner have all the information you need to make an informed decision about where you will give birth. You will also need to consult you private health fund or ask the centres if they are Medicare-funded.

Some of the birthing options in Australia are:

Home Birth

If you have a straightforward pregnancy and both you and the baby are well, you might choose to give birth at home. If you give birth at home you should be supported by a registered independent midwife, doctor or obstetrician who will be with you while you are in labour. If you need help or if your labour is not progressing as well as it should your midwife will make arrangements for you to be taken to hospital. Home births are not usually covered by Medicare and can cost several thousand dollars if not funded by your private health fund.

Midwifery Units or Birth Centres

Midwifery units of birth centres are options for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies. They are usually more comfortable and homely than the maternity unit of a hospital. There is a big demand for places in a birth centre so book in as early as possible. You should check with your private health fund or with Medicare to establish if these services are eligible for reimbursement

Hospital Births

Most women give birth in a hospital maternity unit. If you choose to give birth in hospital you’ll be looked after by midwives but doctors will be available if you need their help. You’ll still have choices about the kind of care you have.