The aim of the program is to promote greater birthing choices for women in the public health system. 

Program Philosophy

-          That childbirth is, in the majority of cases, a normal life event which left to nature will proceed to an uncomplicated outcome.

-          That the individual needs and benefits of women and their families must be respected and supported.

Who is eligible?

All women may apply. Suitability for homebirth or a midwife assisted hospital birth will be assessed. Interpreter services are available if required. This midwifery service incurs no cost to clients. Medical fees may apply for back up doctors.

How to enter the Program

Application forms can be obtained by contacting the Program office directly.

Information days are arranged by request.

For further information phone the Administrator on 08 9339 0021

Midwives centres

Midwives Centres are now located at Armadale, Fremantle, Midland, and Leederville. For opening times and locations phone the administrator on 9339 0021.

Prenatal Care

Relaxed visits in your own home and at the midwives centres allow time for you and your family to get to know your midwife and to ask questions regarding your pregnancy and birth.

Preparation may be for a home or hospital birth. A hospital booking must be made for both events.

Education for childbirth

Preparation for birth and early parenthood are part of your prenatal visits. Natural childbirth classes and active birth workshops are available in the community. Refer to your midwife for classes in your area.

Labour

Your midwife is on call 24 hours a day. You can contact her at home or by mobile telephone.

Birth

Discuss your birth and cultural preferences with your midwife during prenatal visits. She will provide all the necessary medical equipment for the birth.

If you wish your other children to be present, your midwife can assist with their preparations.

After the birth

Your midwife will visit you at home to monitor your health, assist you to establish breastfeeding and advise on care of the baby or provide other treatment as needed.

If you birth in hospital your stay will usually only be for three or four hours after the birth, unless a longer stay is recommended by your doctor. Your midwife will continue all your postnatal care in your home.

Postnatal support groups are available in many suburbs.

Your local child health centre is also available for on going advice and support.

Midwives

The midwives in this Program are highly skilled professionals for whom the safety and wellbeing of the mother and baby are of primary importance.

They have had many years’ experience caring for women during pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal weeks.

They are registered with the Nurses Board of WA, the Health Department of WA and are accredited with the Australian College of Midwives.

Community Midwifery Program 

Pregnancy and childbirth are seen as a major life event in the broader context and community.

This service aims to meet the individual needs of women and their families providing them with the opportunity to choose the continuous care of a registered midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period - for women who choose to birth at home or in hospital if necessary.

This program is hosted by Community Midwifery WA - a community based non-profit organisation with community membership and a management committee.

The overall aim of the organisation is to provide and promote accessible midwifery information, resources and services for people from all cultural and economic groups. The program is funded through the Health Department of Western Australia and incurs no cost to the client other than medical fees of back-up doctors.