Maternity services in rural NSW
7-minute read
Key facts
- Depending on where you live in New South Wales (NSW), you may be able to choose where you give birth.
- You may also be able to choose the health professionals who will care for you during your pregnancy.
- If you need to travel far from home, you might be able to claim some of your costs through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme.
- There may be special programs for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies.
What are my choices for maternity services in rural NSW?
You may be able to choose the type of care you get during pregnancy and birth. This may depend on where you live in New South Wales (NSW). Think about who you would like caring for you during your pregnancy and birth.
You may choose to get care from:
Public maternity services in NSW
In the public health system, you can choose:
- an antenatal clinic in your local hospital — care is given by midwives. If you need specialist care, you might see a doctor or be referred to an allied health worker.
- a midwives clinic — these might be at your local hospital, birth centre or community health centre. Some public hospital midwifery group practices also offer homebirth services.
- GP shared care — you will see your doctor for some appointments and go to the clinic for other checkups.
Most public hospitals offer midwifery continuity of care programs. This means that the same midwife or team of midwives will care for you during your pregnancy.
Private maternity services in NSW
You may want to choose private health care, such as:
- a private obstetrician — in either a public or a private hospital.
- privately-practising midwives — some of your costs may be covered by Medicare.
There are costs for getting private health care. Ask about the costs involved when you call to make an appointment.
If you have private health insurance, it may cover some of your costs.
Read more about public and private care during pregnancy.
You can also read more about maternity care in Australia.
To help you choose the type of care that is best for you, see NSW Health’s Having a Baby book.
Where can I give birth in rural NSW?
Your options on where you give birth will depend on where you live.
Public birth services in NSW
In the public system you can choose to give birth:
- in a hospital — care is usually given by midwives. Doctors are also available if you or your baby needs them.
- in a birth centre — this is suitable if you don’t have any pregnancy complications. You can be transferred to hospital during labour if there are problems.
- at home — again this may be an option if you don’t have any pregnancy complications. You can choose to go to hospital during labour if there are problems.
The costs of care in a public hospital are usually covered by Medicare.
Private birth services in NSW
If you choose to use the private health care system, you can give birth:
- in a public hospital with a private obstetrician or GP obstetrician to care for you
- in private hospitals with a private obstetrician or GP obstetrician
- at home with a private obstetrician, GP obstetrician or private midwife to care for you
If you choose private care, private health insurance can help you cover some of the costs.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What support is there for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in rural NSW?
In New South Wales, Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services (AMIHS) support pregnant women.
Birthing on country in rural NSW
Birthing on country is about giving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies the best start in life. It includes supporting you in your transition to parenting through culturally appropriate care.
Nowra will be home to the first Aboriginal owned birth centre in Australia. Find out more about birthing on Yuin Country.
Ask your Aboriginal health worker or midwife what services are available to you.
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.
What if I need to travel long distances to give birth in rural NSW?
The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) provides financial assistance towards your travel and accommodation costs.
It can cover:
- private vehicle use
- public transport — trains, buses, and ferries
- taxis or ride share services
- air travel — in special circumstances
- accommodation
If you need to travel a long distance to give birth, try to plan ahead.
Resources and support
Download NSW Health's Having a Baby book. This is also available in other languages.
For more information on the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme, call 1800 478 227.
Find out more about parenting in regional and remote areas.
If you are unhappy about the care you get, you may want to learn about making a healthcare complaint.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2025
