Australian maternity models of care: A comprehensive overview
Around 1,000 maternity models of care were used across 251 maternity services in 2023, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AHIW). The report, Maternity models of care in Australia 2023, is the third national release of data on various maternity ‘models of care’ accessible to women across the […]
New group practice model promises better care for women of Castlemaine
A shift to a midwifery group practice model in regional Victoria will provide continuity of care and help deliver a better birthing experience for local families, according to Castlemaine health. After an extensive review of operations, planning, ongoing consultation with key stakeholders and consumer groups, a midwifery-led model was developed encompassing a remote, on-call group […]
My ‘first catch’ as a midwife
The ANMJ asked a few midwives to reflect on their first “catch” and share the highlights and emotions that were involved. Bree Green, ‘Clinical Resource Midwife’ at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne, and ANMF Federal Professional Officer The words that come to mind when I reflect on my “first catch” would be relief and gratitude. […]
International Day of the Midwife
International Day of the Midwife
Midwife-led care could reduce C-sections
Having a midwife providing continuity of care throughout pregnancy and childbirth has the most significant effect on reducing the number of planned caesareans and overall C-section rate, a new study has revealed. The study also found following a policy of seeking second opinions on elective caesareans helped to reduce numbers and that midwifery-led care lowered […]
Q&A with a male midwife
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), men made up just 1.6%, or 448, of the 28,211 employed registered midwives in 2015. The ANMJ spoke to New South Wales-based Clinical Midwifery Educator (CME) Daniel Evans about why he chose to pursue the non-traditional career path for men and what he loves about […]
NSW midwives highlight dangerous maternity shortages
Midwives from NSW rallied today to highlight shortages within their maternity wards. NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members from Royal Prince Alfred, Royal North Shore, Wollongong, Liverpool, Blacktown, Nepean Lismore, John Hunter, Tweed and Tamworth Hospitals have backed an open letter to the NSW Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, urging the NSW Government to implement […]
A passion for maternal and child health
Three months at her daughter’s bed side in the burns unit at Western Australia’s Princess Margaret Hospital inspired Liesl Baxter to make the life changing decision to go into nursing. “I was surrounded by really strong women who were good at decision making.” A paternalistic upbringing and dominant males in her life, the exposure to […]
Midwives safely select for water birth
Midwives are choosing the appropriate women to labour and birth in water, Western Australian research shows. The Curtin University and King Edward Memorial Hospital research found 80% of WA women who planned to give birth in water experienced a normal, uncomplicated vaginal birth. A total of 502 women at WA’s sole tertiary public maternity hospital, […]