What Does a Private Midwife Do? A Complete Guide for Australian Parents
Relevant during pregnancy weeks
What Does a Private Midwife Do? A Complete Guide for Australian Parents
If you've been researching your maternity care options, you've probably come across the term "private midwife." But what exactly does a private midwife do, and how is it different from the midwifery care you'd receive through the public hospital system? Here's everything you need to know.
Private Midwifery Care: The Basics
A private midwife (also called a privately practising midwife or PPM) is a registered midwife who provides continuity of care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period. Unlike hospital-based care where you may see a different midwife at each appointment, a private midwife is your midwife, the same person from your first booking visit right through to your six-week postnatal check.
This continuity of carer model is supported by strong evidence. The landmark Cochrane review on midwife-led continuity of care found it leads to:
- Fewer preterm births
- Fewer interventions during labour
- Higher satisfaction with care
- Lower rates of epidural use
- Reduced likelihood of instrumental birth
What's Included in Private Midwifery Care?
While every midwife structures their practice slightly differently, private midwifery care in Australia typically includes:
Pregnancy Care
- Regular antenatal appointments (usually longer than standard hospital appointments: 45–60 minutes vs 15 minutes)
- All routine pregnancy monitoring: blood pressure, blood tests, urine tests, fundal height measurements
- Referrals for ultrasounds and any specialist care as needed
- Birth preparation discussions and planning
- Phone and text access between appointments for questions and concerns
Birth Support
- Your midwife is on call for your birth (typically from 37 weeks)
- Continuous one-on-one support during labour and birth
- Clinical care: monitoring baby's heart rate, assessing labour progress, managing the birth
- Access to medical backup through a collaborative arrangement with an obstetrician
Postnatal Care
- Home visits in the days and weeks after birth (typically 5–7 visits)
- Newborn health checks: weight, feeding assessment, jaundice screening
- Breastfeeding support
- Maternal wellbeing checks: physical recovery, mental health screening
- Ongoing phone support
Where Can You Birth with a Private Midwife?
In Australia, private midwives can support births in several settings:
Home birth: Many families choose a private midwife specifically for a planned home birth. Your midwife brings all necessary equipment and provides clinical care in the comfort of your own home.
Birth centre: Some private midwives have access agreements with birth centres, allowing you to birth in a low-intervention setting with your known midwife.
Hospital: Through the Medicare-eligible midwife program, some privately practising midwives have collaborative arrangements that allow them to attend your birth in hospital.
How Much Does a Private Midwife Cost?
Private midwifery care in Australia typically costs between $3,500 and $7,000 for a full pregnancy-birth-postnatal package. The cost varies based on location and what's included.
The good news: if your midwife is Medicare-eligible (endorsed for scheduled medicines and has a collaborative arrangement with a doctor), you can claim Medicare rebates for antenatal and postnatal visits. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Some private health funds also provide partial rebates for midwifery care. Check with your specific fund.
Private Midwife vs Hospital Midwifery Care
Continuity: With a private midwife, you see the same person throughout. In hospital care, you may see many different midwives and doctors.
Appointment length: Private appointments are typically 45–60 minutes. Hospital appointments are often 10–15 minutes.
Availability: Your private midwife is available by phone between appointments. Hospital care is appointment-based.
Birth setting: Private midwives offer more flexibility in where you birth. Hospital care is hospital-based.
Postnatal care: Private midwives provide extensive home-based postnatal care. Hospital postnatal care varies but is often limited.
Is a Private Midwife Right for You?
Private midwifery care may be a good fit if you:
- Value having one consistent care provider throughout your journey
- Want longer, more personalised appointments
- Are planning a home birth or birth centre birth
- Want full postnatal support at home
- Had a previous birth experience that left you wanting more personalised care
It may not be suitable if you have certain high-risk pregnancy conditions that require specialist obstetric management, though your midwife will always have a collaborative arrangement with a doctor for any complications.
Finding a Private Midwife
Browse private midwives in your area through our directory. If you're also considering birth support, you might explore whether a birth doula could complement your midwifery care. Some families choose both for maximum support.
The relationship you build with your private midwife is one of trust, respect, and genuine partnership. For many Australian families, it transforms the experience of pregnancy and birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private midwife cost in Australia?
Private midwifery care in Australia ranges from $3,500 to $7,000 for a full pregnancy, birth, and postnatal package. Some midwives offer Medicare-eligible services which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Can a private midwife attend my hospital birth?
Some hospitals have visiting access agreements that allow your private midwife to attend your birth on the ward. Check with both your midwife and hospital about their specific policies.
What is the difference between a private midwife and a hospital midwife?
A private midwife provides continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Hospital midwives work in shifts, so you may see different midwives at each appointment and during labour.
Do private midwives do home births?
Many private midwives offer home birth services for women with low-risk pregnancies. They bring all necessary equipment and have clear transfer plans in case hospital care is needed.
Is a private midwife covered by Medicare?
Medicare-eligible midwives can offer rebates for antenatal and postnatal visits. Not all private midwives are Medicare-eligible, so ask about this when making your first enquiry.