One of the most important decisions you'll make during pregnancy is choosing your model of care. The care provider you choose can influence your experience throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of parenthood.

Many women are surprised to learn that there are several different options available in Adelaide. Each model offers different levels of continuity, support and involvement from midwives and doctors. Understanding your options can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your values, preferences and individual circumstances.

Public Hospital Care

Public hospital care is available free of charge for Medicare card holders and is provided by a team of midwives and doctors.

In Adelaide, maternity services are available through:

• Women's and Children's Hospital

• Flinders Medical Centre

• Lyell McEwin Hospital

With this model, you will usually attend antenatal appointments at the hospital and may see different midwives and doctors throughout your pregnancy. During labour and birth, care is provided by the midwives and doctors working at the time.

Public hospital care is suitable for most women, including those with higher-risk pregnancies or medical conditions that require additional monitoring.

Many families appreciate having access to specialist services and comprehensive medical care. However, one of the challenges can be seeing different care providers throughout the journey, which may make it harder to build a relationship with a single caregiver.

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

For many women, Midwifery Group Practice is considered the gold standard of maternity care.

MGP provides continuity of care with a primary midwife who supports you throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. One or two back-up midwives also become familiar with your care, ensuring you are supported by someone who knows you and your preferences.

MGP programs are available through:

• Women's and Children's Hospital

• Flinders Medical Centre

• Lyell McEwin Hospital

One of the biggest benefits of MGP is the relationship that develops between a woman and her midwife. Having a known caregiver can help women feel more relaxed, informed and supported throughout their pregnancy and birth experience.

Your midwife is usually available by phone or text and will often provide home visits after birth, continuing care until your baby is around six weeks old.

Because MGP programs are highly sought after, places are limited and it is worth applying as early as possible if this option interests you.

Birth Centres

Birth centres offer a different experience again, combining the safety of a hospital setting with a more home-like environment.

These centres are designed for women with low-risk pregnancies who are planning a physiological birth. Care is usually midwife-led and focuses on supporting normal labour and birth with minimal intervention.

Adelaide birth centre options include:

• Lyell McEwin Birth Centre

Many women are drawn to birth centres because they offer a calm environment and encourage freedom of movement, water immersion and other comfort measures during labour.

While birth centres are a wonderful option for many families, eligibility requirements apply and some women may need to transfer to standard hospital care if complications arise during pregnancy or labour.

Private Obstetric Care

Private obstetric care involves choosing your own obstetrician to oversee your pregnancy and birth care.

This option usually requires private health insurance and may involve additional out-of-pocket expenses. A referral from your GP is also required.

Private maternity hospitals in Adelaide include:

• Calvary North Adelaide Hospital

• Burnside Hospital

• Ashford Hospital

• St Andrew's Hospital

Many women choose private obstetric care because they value having a dedicated obstetrician involved throughout their pregnancy. This model can provide reassurance for women who prefer specialist-led care or who have complex medical needs.

During labour and birth, care is shared between your obstetrician and the hospital midwifery team. After birth, both your obstetrician and the midwives continue to provide care while you are in hospital.

 Private Midwifery Care

Private midwifery care offers a highly personalised and relationship-based approach to maternity care.

Privately practising midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Depending on their qualifications and arrangements, they may offer homebirth services, pregnancy and postnatal care, and in some circumstances may attend hospital births.

Some private midwifery services in Adelaide include:

• Adelaide Midwives

• Lucy the Midwife

• Hello Baby! Midwifery

• Embrace Midwifery Services

• Held Midwifery

Many women are drawn to private midwifery care because of the continuity, flexibility and personalised support it provides. Appointments are often longer, allowing time to discuss questions, concerns and birth preferences in greater depth.

Women eligible for Medicare may receive rebates for some aspects of private midwifery care, and some private health funds may contribute towards certain services.

Which Model of Care Is Right for You?

There is no single "best" model of care. The right choice is the one that feels right for you.

As you explore your options, consider what matters most to you. Is continuity of care important? Would you like to know the person supporting you during labour? Are you hoping for a homebirth, a birth centre experience or a traditional hospital birth? Do you prefer midwife-led care or obstetric-led care?

Every woman deserves to understand her options and feel confident in the decisions she makes during pregnancy.

At Abide Birth Collective, I believe informed choices begin with understanding what is available. When women have access to clear information and the opportunity to explore what matters most to them, they are better equipped to navigate pregnancy and birth with confidence, clarity and trust in themselves.