The Midwifery Model of Care is based on the normality of pregnancy and birth. Midwives work in a variety of settings and in a variety of different programs. Midwives can work in private practice or within the hospital system. You can find out more about midwives in private practice here,

Many women aren’t aware of the various midwifery programs on offer in public hospitals. Team Midwifery Programs are one such option. You can choose to see a team of midwives for your care through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. A small group of usually no more than six or seven midwives provide your prenatal care, one of whom attends to you during labour. Several of these programs provide continuity of care into the postnatal period and some even offer postnatal home visits. Another option that may be on offer is the ‘Know your own midwife’ scheme, which entails having the same midwife provide the majority of your prenatal care; some hospitals enable your midwife to also care for you during labour. Another option is Caseload Midwifery Programs. One or two midwives care for you through pregnancy, attend your birth and may follow up after the birth. Contact your local hospital for information on the programs available.

Excerpt from Pregnancy For Dummies, 2nd Australian and New Zealand Edition. For more information on birth choices in Pregnancy For Dummies - purchase online