Homebirth is now an option for local mothers with the South East Sydney Illawarra
Area Health Service (SESIAHS) offering a new publicly funded program for eligible women.
Women accepted into the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program and who meet the
eligibility criteria for low risk, may now consider homebirth within their birthing choices.
It is expected that the first births through the program will occur over the next few months.
On Monday (July 6) the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) celebrates five years of providing
care to local women. More than 1200 babies are a testament to the work of the program where
care is given to families by their known midwife over the past five years.
Mrs Deborah Cameron, Southern Hospital Network Co-Director for the Women’s & Babies
stream congratulated the program’s dedicated staff.
“We have a dedicated team of midwives who have provided excellent health care to our
mothers over the years,” Mrs Cameron said.
“The new service will mean low risk mothers will have the option to deliver their baby
at home with the care and support of our highly trained midwives.
“Some mothers feel this option is a calmer, more convenient and more comfortable
way to give birth. It is wonderful that many local mothers now have this choice.
“Mothers will be monitored stringently and will be approved for the program only
should they be a low risk delivery. Should a mother experience complexities in their
pregnancy they will be referred to other hospital-based delivery options,” said Mrs Cameron.
To mark the anniversary on Monday, the MGP will be holding a celebratory morning tea at
Shellharbour Hospital, at 1030hrs in the new Midwifery and Family Health Centre.
Media enquiries: David Brown 4253 4859 or 0434 327 954
