Choosing a place of birth
Pregnancy and childbirth are natural events in life, and more than 2 in 3 Australian women give birth vaginally. While all women hope to have a pregnancy and a direct birth, there is always a chance of complications that may affect the mother, baby, or both. These risks may help determine where your baby is born—at a birth center, in a hospital, or at home.
During pregnancy and childbirth, your health care team will help you identify any risks to you or your baby and manage them in the best possible way.
Here are some of the options available to you, including general and private care alternatives. Your choice of birthplace depends on your needs and risks and, to some extent, on where you live. Whichever option you choose, the place should be right for you.
Deliver safely
Having a baby in Australia is generally considered safe regardless of location. Healthy women who have been assessed as "low risk" should be offered the choice of a place of delivery.
If you choose to deliver at home or in a midwife-run unit, you should get information from your midwife or doctor about what will happen if you need to be taken to the hospital during labor and how long it may take. This option is considered more risky than the hospital in the event of a serious error during labor.
Hospital delivery may be recommended if you have certain medical conditions.
Make an informed decision
You and your birth partner should have all the information you need before choosing where to have your baby. It's your choice. However, you can change your mind at any time. The midwife will discuss options in your area, but you are free to choose any maternity service if you are willing to travel.
You should ask as many questions as possible. In addition to the midwife, you can get more information from:
- Birth centers
- Doctor
- Maternity units in local hospitals
- Private Hospitals
Option: midwifery units or delivery centers
Midwifery units or delivery centers are usually more comfortable and home-like than a hospital delivery unit. They are managed by midwives and very popular, so book as soon as possible.
Delivery centers and midwifery units are an option for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies. They are not suitable for women at higher risk of complications, such as women with heart or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or those who have had complications in previous births. Check with the delivery center.
The benefits of giving birth at a birth center or midwifery unit include
- Being in an environment where you may feel more relaxed and able to deal with labor
- You're more likely to be cared for by a midwife you know well.
There are a few things to think about if you are considering giving birth in a midwifery unit or delivery center.
You may need to be taken to the maternity ward of the hospital if there are any complications.
You may not be able to get certain types of pain relievers, such as epidurals.
Your doctor or midwife may feel it's safe for you to give birth in the hospital.
You're likely to return home 24 hours after giving birth at a maternity center, receiving follow-up care by midwives in your home.
Here are some questions you may want to ask before deciding on a birth center:
- How long will it take if I need to be taken to the hospital?
- Which hospital will I transfer to?
- Will she be midwife with me all the time?
- Can I visit the unit before giving birth?
- What pain relievers will I be able to use?
- What facilities are available, for example, maternity baths or baths?
- How long will the baby and I stay in the hospital?
Option: hospital delivery
Most Australian women give birth in the maternity unit of public or private hospitals. If you choose to give birth in a hospital, you will be cared for by midwives, but doctors will be available if you need their help. You still have options about what kind of care you have. If there is more than one hospital in your area, you can choose which hospital you want to go to; an obstetrician or doctor can help you make that decision.
The advantages of giving birth in a hospital include
- You will have good access to obstetricians, anesthesiologists (who provide epidural and general anesthesia) and neonatologists (specialists in newborn care).
- You have access to other specialized services.
- You can take a cesarean section immediately, if necessary.
- Your baby can be easily transferred to a special pediatric care unit (or neonatal intensive care unit) if needed.
Things to consider about giving birth in the hospital:
- You can go home directly from the maternity ward or you may be transferred to the postpartum ward.
- At the hospital, you may be cared for by a midwife different from the one who cared for you during pregnancy.
Here are some questions you may want to ask before deciding on a hospital:
- Can we walk around the maternity facilities before giving birth?
- When can I discuss my birth plan?
- What pain relievers will I be able to use?
- What equipment is available, for example, mats, delivery chairs, and beanbags?
- Are there birth baths or baths?
- How long will the baby and I stay in the hospital?
Option: birth at home
If you have an immediate pregnancy and you and your baby are healthy, you may be able to give birth at home. However, if there are risks or complications during pregnancy, giving birth at home may not be a safe option. Your doctor or obstetrician may recommend that you deliver in a hospital, for example, if you are pregnant with twins, if your baby is breech or if you have had a cesarean section before.
If you are born at home, you must be supported by a registered midwife (see "Independent midwives" below) or a doctor or obstetrician who will be with you during labor. If you need more help, or if your labor is not progressing well, the midwife should arrange for you to be taken to the hospital.
Some hospitals like you to book in advance in case.
There are some disadvantages that must be considered when giving birth at home:
- You may need to be taken to the hospital if there are any complications during labor, delivery, or afterwards.
- Epidural anesthesia will not be an option at home.
Options if you have private health insurance
If you have health insurance, you may be able to choose your caregiver—such as an obstetrician, doctor, or independent midwife—and choose a private hospital or public hospital with private wards.
You will need to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered, such as accommodation, during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Some health insurance companies offer discounts on services provided by private hospitals.
You can also pay for private out-of-pocket care if you are not a member of the health insurance fund.
Private obstetrician and general practitioner
You can choose to receive care from your obstetrician. You can also choose a general practitioner obstetrician (with postgraduate training in obstetrics). If you want, you can choose both.
In this case, you will have appointments with your doctors in their own rooms, which are similar to a clinic or doctor's office. Some obstetricians work alongside a midwife who helps care for women during pregnancy.
With this option, you may be admitted to a private hospital or a general hospital (as a private patient) of your choice. You will be cared for during labor by midwives working at the hospital but your doctor will be updated regularly and usually present at delivery.
Some obstetricians or doctors may also provide care during pregnancy and during childbirth at home.
Postpartum care will be provided by doctors at the hospital and your doctor.
Private Doctors
Private or complex doctors will take care of you during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born. This is an option for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies.