NEWS RELEASE Monday June 9, 2003

BRINGING BIRTH BACK TO WEST LAKES. HEALTH DEPARTMENT AGREES THAT MIDWIFERY CARE IS THE KEY

Continuous midwifery care is set to become a reality in the Hunter, according to consumer group Maternity Coalition, but only for a fraction of the women who need it, and only if they can show that they need it.

In a recent meeting, Department of Health representatives stated that the department was considering continuous midwifery care as a solution to the current maternity care crisis in Cessnock.

"I welcome any steps to provide local women with this superior level of maternity care." said Carol Chapman, Hunter convenor of the Maternity Coalition, "But the women of west Lake Macquarie have experienced the same reduced maternity services that Cessnock is now experiencing, and have done for a very long time. The Department acknowledges that continuous midwifery care is a safe option and affordable solution for Cessnock. It will allow Cessnock women to choose to have their babies in their own community. If it's a solution for Cessnock's maternity care problems then it is also a safe and affordable option for the families of Lake Macquarie."

A Community Midwifery Programme would provide pregnant women with the continuous care of their own midwife from early pregnancy throughout labour and birth, and up to 6 weeks after the birth. The majority of care takes place in the woman's home and the midwife works collaboratively with other maternity care providers, such as obstetricians, so that the woman has access to all levels of care should she need it. Continuous midwifery care is care of international best practice and has been shown to result in reduced intervention, reduced Caesarean surgery and episiotomies, reduced incidence of post - natal depression, greater success breastfeeding, greater success adjusting to parenting and an overall more satisfying experience for women. Currently less than 1% of Australian women have access to this type of care.

"85% of women have healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies and births" said Ms Chapman," It is simply over servicing for 100% of women to see obstetricians for their pregnancy care. The majority of Lake Macquarie women would benefit more from having the same midwife provide all of their care at home to save the travelling, be with them in labour, so that they knew their birth attendant rather than labouring with strangers, and give them the option to have their babies in their local area instead of having to travel such long distances to the only public hospital where they can deliver. And all for much less cost to our health budget than our current maternity care."

Consumer representatives have met with representatives of Hunter Area Health and John Hunter Hospital and have received their in-principle support. "No one denies that Community Midwifery would be a great benefit to women in areas such as west Lake Macquarie and a great improvement on current acute setting outreach programmes. There are many people, consumers, midwives and obstetricians alike, who want to see this programme here in the Hunter," said Ms Chapman. "What is essential now is funding from the Department of Health. With immediate funding, Community Midwifery could be up and running in a matter of months".

The Maternity Coalition is calling for expressions of interest in a public meeting to inform local families about Community Midwifery and to represent their needs to the funding bodies. Interested persons can call Carol Chapman on 4942 8602 or 0422 107045.

P.O. Box 1190
Blackburn North,
Victoria 3130
Australia