For centuries midwives have worked among their communities providing care to women. Historically midwives have held a philosophy of care based on the belief that pregnancy is, basically, a healthy process and a normal part of life, growth and development. It is this belief that guides the way in which midwives in private practice work. Midwives choosing to work privately, rather than being employed by hospitals and other institutions, do so because it allows them to be flexible about the care they provide. That is, the care offered will be in partnership, directed primarily by the wishes of the women and their families.

The private practitioner midwife is able to provide continuity of care to the families who have chosen to use her services. During the pregnancy, the woman and her family develop a friendly supportive relationship with their midwife (in some cases the care is shared by two midwives). On the day the baby is born the midwife remains with the woman throughout the entire labour. There are no shift changes that require the midwife to leave. During the first week of the baby’s life the same midwife visits each day. This will end when the baby has settled into a feeding pattern and the parents feel confident in caring for their new baby.

Some midwives in private practice choose to work in specific areas. For example, some may offer postnatal care, or advice with difficult breastfeeding problems (Lactation Consultants) or Maternal and Child Health (M&CHN). In addition, some midwives have skills and qualifications in complementary areas. Examples are acupuncture, counselling, naturopathy, chiropractic, massage or homeopathy.

The range of services provided includes:

• Pre-pregnancy advice
• Advice about birth options
• Childbirth education classes
• Sibling preparation classes
• Continuous midwifery care during pregnancy
• Preparation for and attendance at births in an appropriate environment of the parents’ choice
• Postnatal care following birth at home, birth centre or hospital
• Separate postnatal care for women who want private midwifery care for this period only or who are discharged home early from hospital
• Lactation consultancy
• Acupuncture and Chiropractic
• Referral to and advice about other health professionals such as medical and natural health practitioners, eg obstetricians, paediatricians, GPs, chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths, homeopaths
• Some midwives have a special interest and expertise in supporting women in special areas. Examples are vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), breech births, water births and postnatal depression.

Reproduced with permission from Midwives in Private Practice (MIPP) – see their blog Midwives Victoria. Original published on Maternity Choices Australia.