What to expect if I have my baby at a birthing centre

When you find out you're pregnant, you will need to think about:

• where you'd like to have your baby — in a hospital, at a birthing centre or at home
• who will care for you — midwife, your doctor or obstetrician
• the type of birth experience you would like

You should explore the choices available where you live to find the care that is right for you. Start by talking to your doctor, your partner if you have one, your friends and other mothers in your area.

There may be many options, including a birthing centre.

Where you give birth will also depend on whether your pregnancy and birth are expected to be straightforward.

Australia is a safe place (Opens in new tab) to have a baby. Maternity services follow a woman-centred care model, which means you are in control of your choices.

You should be able make shared decisions about your care with your care provider. It's important to have positive, trusting interactions with them. You have the right to respectful maternity care that is culturally safe and enables informed choices.

A birthing centre is an alternative option to a hospital for your labour and birth.

Most birthing centres are in a public hospital or close to one.

This means you can be transferred to hospital if you and your baby need more care during labour or after birth.

Birth centres treat pregnancy and birth as normal life events. They provide a less medical approach to birth. They often feel more relaxed and home-like than hospitals.

Birthing centres are usually run by midwives.

In many birthing centres, the same group of midwives look after you throughout your pregnancy and birth. This can help you feel more comfortable as you develop a trusting relationship with the team.

You will often have your own room, a double bed and ensuite bathroom. In some centres different options such as water birth is available.

During labour, you can have friends and family around you. Some birthing centres allow your children to be with you.

Continuity of care

Ask if the birth centre offers midwife continuity of care. This is where the same midwife or team of midwives care for you during your pregnancy and birth.

This model of care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth. The same midwife can also help as you start parenting your new baby.

Midwifery continuity of care can also be called:

• continuity of carer
• caseload
• midwifery group practice

You can also get the benefits of continuity of care by employing a private midwife or obstetrician. Ask the birth centre if they can care for you there.

What are the limitations of a birthing centre?

Birthing centres generally take people who don't have any pregnancy complications. This means that you and your baby are healthy and your birth is expected to be straightforward. The birthing centre will decide whether you have a low-risk pregnancy. Speak with the birthing centre to discuss whether you would be suitable.

Birthing centres aim for minimal medical intervention, so there are fewer pain relief options available than in hospitals. Gas and some medicines might be available. Other pain relief options at the birthing centre include:

• relaxation
• massage
• movement
• water
• other forms of natural pain relief

If you decide you would like an epidural, you will be transferred to the hospital labour ward.

Birthing centres also provide your antenatal care. This can be through the birthing centre or through the hospital that they are attached to.

If you need extra medical care, you may be able to see a doctor that works at the centre.

Most birthing centres are publicly funded so the cost will usually be covered by Medicare.

However, it is a good idea to ask about any additional costs when you book in.

After you have your baby, the midwives at the birthing centre will help you with feeding and caring for your baby.

If everything is going well, you may go home early, sometimes within 6 hours of giving birth.

The midwives can visit you during the first few days at home. They will offer care and support for you and your baby, including help breastfeeding.

If you need to stay longer, you may be transferred to the hospital maternity ward.

Before you leave the birthing centre, a doctor and midwife will check your baby. A midwife or early childhood nurse will visit you at home in the following weeks.

Read more about choosing where to give birth.

Use Pregnancy, Birth and Baby's service finder to help you locate: your nearest doctor, obstetrician, maternal child health nurse and other health professionals across Australia.