Midwifery Continuity of Care: Benefits, Access, and Support Options

Highlights

• Midwifery continuity of care is when a midwife or a small group of midwives supports you through pregnancy and birth.
• Getting care from a midwife you know during pregnancy, labour, birth, and early parenting has many benefits.

In This Article

• A Midwife
• Midwifery Continuity of Care
• Benefits of Midwifery Continuity of Care
• Accessing Continuity of Care with a Midwife
• Costs of Midwifery Continuity of Care
• Alternatives to Midwifery Continuity of Care
• Tools and Assistance

A Midwife

A midwife is a registered healthcare professional who works in partnership with women before conception and during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first few weeks after birth.

Midwives support natural birth and are able to identify complications and provide emergency care for you and your baby if necessary. Midwives also work with other healthcare professionals and may refer you to medical care if needed.

Midwives ensure that you’re fully informed about the care you and your baby will receive. They act as your advocate and help you have the birth experience you want.

An endorsed midwife has an extra postgraduate qualification, allowing them to prescribe certain medicines and order specific tests related to pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period.

Midwives can work in various settings, including:

• Your home
• Your community
• Public and private hospitals
• Birth centres
• Clinics or health units

A midwife is different from a doula, who provides emotional and physical support but does not have medical training.

Midwifery Continuity of Care

Midwifery continuity of care is when a midwife (or a small group of midwives) supports you throughout your pregnancy and birth. This model is available in various locations, including urban, regional, and rural areas.

Research shows that this model of care can improve pregnancy and birth outcomes, as well as promote positive early parenting experiences.

Midwifery continuity of care is also referred to as:

• Continuity of carer
• Caseload
• Midwifery group practice

Benefits of Midwifery Continuity of Care

Receiving continuous care from a midwife you know has many benefits. This model ensures that you have a familiar caregiver throughout your pregnancy and birth.

Benefits include:

• A more positive labour and birth experience
• Fewer interventions during labour
• A higher likelihood of having a vaginal birth
• Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
• Reduced risk of premature birth

Research suggests that nearly 1 in 4 women are less likely to have a preterm birth if they receive midwifery continuity of care.

Accessing Continuity of Care with a Midwife

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are adopting midwife-led models of care. Below are some common models and how they work:

Caseload Midwifery or Midwifery Group Practice

With this model, you have one primary midwife who cares for you throughout pregnancy and is on call for your birth. If they are unavailable, they have one or two backup midwives. Your midwife collaborates with doctors if necessary. Some midwifery group practices also offer the option of a home birth.

Team Midwifery

With team midwifery, you are cared for by a small team of midwives. You may not see the same midwife at each antenatal visit, but all team members will be familiar with your pregnancy. One of them will be available for your labour and birth.

Private Midwifery Care

Some midwives work independently rather than being employed by hospitals. These are known as midwives in private practice (MIPP). They provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy, labour, and birth, either at home or in a hospital setting, and continue care after birth.

Costs of Midwifery Continuity of Care

The cost of midwifery continuity of care varies based on the type of care and location. In some healthcare systems, midwifery services are fully or partially covered, while in others, there may be out-of-pocket costs.

If you have private health insurance, it may cover some of the expenses. Check with your insurer about what your policy includes regarding pregnancy and birth-related care.

If you don’t have insurance, you may need to pay for private midwifery care yourself. Be sure to ask about fees before booking services.

Alternatives to Midwifery Continuity of Care

If a midwife is unavailable, other maternity care models may provide continuity of care. Your options depend on your location and whether you have any pregnancy complications.

Shared Care

Shared care involves splitting pregnancy care between a hospital and a local doctor or midwife. Costs may vary, but some healthcare systems provide coverage for visits outside of hospitals.

Additional Support

If midwifery continuity of care is not an option, having a doula, student midwife, or a supportive birth partner can be beneficial.

Tools and Assistance

If you’re seeking more information on midwifery continuity of care, there are several resources available to support you during your pregnancy:

• Midwifery Associations: Many countries have national or regional midwifery associations that provide resources for expecting parents. These associations often maintain directories of registered midwives and offer support for choosing the right care model for your needs.
• Health Clinics: Public and private health clinics often provide detailed information about midwifery services. These clinics may offer prenatal classes, consultations, and can help guide you in finding a midwife or midwifery-led care options.
• Prenatal Classes: Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer prenatal classes that cover topics such as midwifery care, birthing options, and postpartum support. These can be valuable for understanding what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood.
• Maternity Care Helplines: Some regions have dedicated helplines or hotlines for maternity-related inquiries. These services can provide guidance on midwifery services, maternity care options, and general advice for expecting parents.
• Community Support Groups: Local parenting groups or community organizations often offer peer support and can provide recommendations for midwives and other healthcare professionals. They can also be a great source of emotional support during pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood.
• Private Midwifery Care Providers: If you prefer a more personal approach to your maternity care, private midwifery services may be an option. These services are typically more individualized and allow you to have continuous care with one midwife throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care.
• Health Insurance Providers: If you have health insurance, your insurance company can provide details on what maternity and midwifery care services are covered under your plan. Some insurance providers also have dedicated maternity care coordinators who can assist in finding midwifery care providers and understanding coverage.
• Local Birth Centres: Birth centres often provide midwifery-led care in a homelike setting. They are usually staffed by midwives and may offer a more relaxed and personalized approach to pregnancy and birth.

Need more information?

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