New midwifery service launched in Armadale

• New midwifery service complements mainstream hospital maternity services

• Continuity of midwifery care benefits mothers and babies

• Innovative way to meet increasing demand for maternity services

A new midwifery service giving expectant mothers a choice to be cared for by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy and postnatal care will be launched in Armadale today.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the new Midwifery Group Practice in the Armadale-Kelmscott area provided a single point of care throughout a woman's pregnancy and beyond. 

"The continuity of midwifery care helps to build a strong bond of trust between the mother and midwife," Dr Hames said.

"This allows the midwife to gain extensive knowledge of the mother's health needs and any associated risks which will lead to a safer birth and a shorter stay in hospital.

"Mothers will not have to repeat their concerns to a different midwife at each antenatal appointment and this leads to better outcomes for a mother and her baby."

The Midwifery Group Practice, which is the first of its kind in the south metropolitan area, gives pregnant women access to high quality, patient-focused midwifery care in the community.

This new model of care will enable Armadale Health Service to meet the increasing demand for maternity services while providing greater choice for women.

       Fact File

• Armadale Health Service delivered 2,432 babies in 2013-14

• The service has experienced an average increase of 8% in number of births over the past two years

• For more information, visit http://www.ahs.health.wa.gov.au  

Minister's office - 6552 5300