Published
1 May 2024
Ministers
Midwifery Group Practice to boost birthing choices in the Pilbara
Government launched its award-winning Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model in Karratha.
- Cook Government launches Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) in Karratha
- 12-month trial to provide greater choice for expectant women and families
- Local midwives to provide holistic support from pregnancy to postnatal
More maternal and newborn care options are now available in the Pilbara after the Cook Government launched its award-winning Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model in Karratha.
Run by the WA Country Health Service (WACHS), the 12-month trial will see women and families cared for by a known midwife throughout their pregnancy journey, during labour and birth, and postnatally.
This model of care fosters a trusting relationship between a woman and her clinician team and enables continuity of care.
MGP models have been shown to lower postnatal depression rates, increase breastfeeding rates and lead to shorter lengths of stay in hospital.
It is expected the new Karratha MGP will support around 140 women throughout the pilot period.
Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Government is committed to delivering greater birth choices for WA women and the expansion of the WA Country Health Service's award-winning Midwifery Group Practice model to Karratha will do just that.
"We know how important it is for women and their families to have options, and how vital an ongoing relationship with a midwife is to the pregnancy and postnatal experience.
"The MGP in Karratha will see our highly skilled midwives work alongside obstetricians to provide a wraparound midwifery service."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Specialised midwifery-led care is now available in Karratha, giving families more options when planning their maternity care.
"Women using the MGP will be supported throughout their entire pregnancy journey by a midwife they know.
"This model of care has been shown to have great benefits for women and babies and the Cook Government is pleased to be able to offer this pilot program in the Pilbara."
