Publicly Funded Homebirth Currently Available in Australia

[Cyathea]

In Australia Homebirth is largely unfunded by the government, but there are certain places where you can access it.

Be aware, however, that there are often restrictions placed on women who choose to homebirth through the public system, examples of things which may risk you out of the program: VBAC, twins, breech, first time mum etc (check out the fineprint at the establishment you are interested in, as it does vary) so many women in Australia will still opt to hire an Independant Midwife, as many of them are comfortable and experienced with first time mums, VBAC, twins, breech etc, it is of course something which would be negotiated by you with the individual midwife.

Western Australia

Community Midwifery Programme - http://www.cmwa.net.au/

New South Wales

NEWCASTLE
Belmont Birthing Service Homebirth Program
Freestanding birth centre within Belmont Hospy, also offering a homebirth service
Belmont District Hospital
Croudace Bay Rd, Belmont
Ph: (02) 4923 2204
Midwifery Coordinator: Carolyn Hastie, 0428112786

SYDNEY
St George Hospital Homebirth Service
The hospital has a homebirth service aka the maternity outreach program.
St George Hospital
Gray Street, Kogarah
Ph: (02) 9113 1111
Midwifery Coordinator: Shea Caplice

(The Sutherland Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women are both planning homebirth services for the near future also.... watch this space for more information.)

TAMWORTH

Robin Skewes CMC at Tamworth Base Hospital is authorised to attend homebirths through the public system.

South Australia

Midwifery Group Practice, Women's and Children's Hospital (public)
72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, SA ph: (08) 8161 7819
contact - cywhs.muhmgp@cywhs.sa.gov.au
[url]http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/services/az /divisions/wab/mid_gp[url]
Midwife-led continuity of carer model, offering known midwife plus back-up midwife through pregnancy, birth and first six weeks postnatal. Midwife consults with obstetric and other staff as needed. Takes women of all risk categories, but limited to about 1,000 women per year, some geographical limits apply. Care provided in community, home and hospital. Book in via first appointment with Women's Outpatients Clinic on (08) 8161 7592. Waterbirth and VBAC supported . No charges to public patients. No private patients or GP-share care: care is midwife-led.

Northern Women's Community Midwifery Program (public)
28 Philip Highway, Elizabeth, SA ph: (08) 8252 3711
Offers known midwife plus back-up through pregnancy, birth and first 4-6 weeks postnatal. Located within Northern Women's Community Health Centre with close working relationships with psychologist, domestic violence health worker, interpreters, etc. Midwife works in collaboration with obstetric team at hospital. Program takes women of all risk categories. Limited to 140 women per year, and only for residents of council areas of Salisbury, Playford and Tea Tree Gully. Antenatal, postnatal and birth care in community and home, and at assessment unit at Lyell McEwin Hospital. Waterbirth, homebirth and VBAC supported; No charges to public patients; No private patients or GP-share care: care is midwife-led.

Northern Territory

Community Midwifery Practice & Homebirth Service in Darwin & Alice Springs

Darwin: ph: (mobile) 0417 810 535
Alice Springs: ph: (mobile) 0401 114 188

This is a Northern Territory government supported home birth service within the Community Health Branch of the Department of Health & Community Services (DHCS). The service is located in Alice Springs and Darwin and is provided to enable Home Birth Midwives, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary health team, to provide effective and professional primary midwifery care across pregnancy through to the postpartum period. The midwives support eligible women electing to labour and birth at home if they live within the specified boundaries.

Tasmania - N/A

ACT - N/A

Queensland - N/A

Victoria - N/A

[rayray]

Vic dont even make the list

[Cyathea]

I've added it now...doesn't make inspiring reading.

[the cooks]

i don't know if i'm allowed to post in here but i thought i would say that i have used belmont birth service and they are wonderful a great bunch of midwives so down to earth and just amazing

[Suga]

Women's and Children's in Adelaide doesn't have a homebirth option... only the Northern Women's Community Midwifery Program does (I'm going through the WCH and would have a homebirth if it was an option).

[Cyathea]

The womens and childrens is on the verge...hopefully all official very soon

[Ozziehoffy]

Do you know if there any update to the Brisbane area as yet?