Why 'more women than ever' can access midwifery program

TOOWOOMBA Hospital representatives said more women than ever before would now be able to access Toowoomba Hospital's Midwifery Group Practice program.

Midwife Haidee Latham with first-time mum and Midwifery Group Practice participant Alana Campbell and her daughter Morgan. Picture: Contributed

TOOWOOMBA Hospital representatives said more women than ever before would now be able to access Toowoomba Hospital's Midwifery Group Practice program.

The program provides continuity of care with a known midwife through a woman's pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting.

With additional midwives being employed to the program, the eligibility criteria has been changed to include more women.

"We have moved to an 'all-inclusive' model, specifically looking at women from vulnerable demographics or women who would benefit from more emotional support through pregnancy," Toowoomba Hospital MGP midwife Haidee Latham said.

"That may include women with IVF pregnancies, those who have experienced a still birth, or those requesting support for a vaginal birth after experiencing a caesarean section. We are also expanding to see young, teenage women and women from varying cultural backgrounds.

"We now have the extra midwives and resources to support more women."

The Toowoomba Hospital's Midwifery Group Practice was established in 2007.

"The MGP provides individualised care for women during one of their most life changing experiences - having a baby," Ms Latham said.

Women, who are planning to birth at Toowoomba Hospital, are encouraged to ask their GP to request on their antenatal referral a desire to be considered for MGP care.

Originally published as Why 'more women than ever' can access midwifery program