Pregnancy & Birth Models of Care // Sunshine Coast
I’m Pregnant!!! Now What? 🤷🏼♀️
You’ve been trying to conceive (TTC) and now you’re pregnant – yay! 🎉 But what’s the next step?
As soon as that positive test shows up, a wave of decisions rolls in. You might know what care your friend or sister had, but have you thought about what you want?
It’s easy to think, “I’ve got 40 weeks to figure this out,” but here’s the catch: some of the best models of care book out fast – sometimes even before your first ultrasound!
So let’s break it down. These are the maternity care options available here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, including an exciting new publicly funded Homebirth Program available through Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).
MIDWIFERY GROUP PRACTICE (MGP)
(Sunshine Coast University Hospital – SCUH)
MGP is a woman-centred model offering continuity of care from a small group of midwives who support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Your midwife gets to know you, your values, and your preferences and will support a physiological (natural) birth whenever possible. If all goes well, you may be home snuggled up with your baby just 4-6 hours after birth, with a midwife checking in at home within 24-48 hours.
💡 Note: This model books out quickly, so get your GP referral in ASAP
Reasons to consider MGP:
- Continuity of care with a known midwife
- Woman-centred, low-intervention support
- Encouragement of physiological birth
- Water birth option
- Early discharge with in-home follow-up
NEW: Publicly Funded Homebirth Program
Through SCUH, select women can now access a publicly funded homebirth with their MGP midwives if they meet eligibility criteria. This is a fantastic option for women who want to birth in the comfort of their own home, with hospital-level support and midwifery care.
🔗 More on SCUH’s Publicly Funded Homebirth
All Risk:
Open to women with high or low risk pregnancies.
Birth Centre:
For women who have a low risk pregnancy and want little intervention and natural approach to their care.
Home Birth:
May be an option to women having low risk pregnancy, who meet criteria.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Midwifery Care:
The Birawan team provides continuity of care for you and your family throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Limited spaces are available. Please ask your GP or midwife if you are interested in MGP care.
You can express interest in MGP via email: SC-MGP@health.qld.gov.au
PRIVATE MIDWIFE
(Homebirth or SCUH (if Midwife has Visitation Rights*))
Private midwives provide personalised care, and you may choose to birth either at home or in hospital (where your midwife has access). This is a great option for those wanting continuity with a trusted midwife, as well as flexibility in birth location.
Reasons to consider Private Midwifery:
- Choice of home or hospital birth*
- One-on-one midwife relationship
- Woman-centred, low-intervention care
- Support through various birth preferences (Including but not limited to: Water Birth, Breech Birth, VBAC etc.)
- Comprehensive postpartum support
🔗 Homebirth Australia – Find a Birthworker
PRIVATE OBSTETRICIAN
(Buderim Private Hospital)
Private obstetric care gives you access to a dedicated specialist throughout pregnancy and birth. It’s ideal if you’re seeking medical oversight or are considered high-risk.
Reasons to consider a Private OB:
- Care for high-risk pregnancies
- Consistency with one obstetrician
- Access to private facilities and longer postpartum stay
- Water Birth and Caesarean section options available
PUBLIC MATERNITY
(SCUH)
The standard public system provides comprehensive care through midwives and doctors. You may see a variety of providers throughout your pregnancy, and care during birth is provided by the team on shift.
Reasons to consider Public Maternity:
- Accessible for all women
- Suitable for both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies
- Water birth option
- Great option if other models are unavailable
- Not having a strong preference for any specific model of care, just wanting care and support of well trained staff
GP SHARED CARE
(Your GP + SCUH)
Perfect if you love your GP and want them involved in your pregnancy care. Your GP manages routine check-ups while SCUH handles labour and any complex concerns.
You should attend the GP with a similar schedule of visits as outlined for SCUH Midwives care. SCUH Recommends you choose a GP who has recently attended the share care education provided by the hospital. Midwifery appointments are recommended at SCUH from 36 and 40 weeks.
Tips:
- Ask your GP about their obstetric experience
- Schedule a few hospital visits for familiarity
STUDENT MIDWIVES – The CONNECT Program
(SCUH or Buderim Private)
Add a student midwife to your care team through USC’s CONNECT program. They accompany you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, offering continuity and support (and asking the great questions you might forget!).
BIRTH and POSTPARTUM DOULAS
A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labour. Many women report feeling more empowered, heard, and in control of their birth experience when supported by a doula, leading to a more positive memory of the birth. Doulas support not just the birthing person but also their partner, guiding them on how to help, and how to stay calm and confident throughout labour.
Reasons to consider a Doula
- Continual Support
- Improved Birth Satisfaction
- Partner Support
- Assistance with the postpartum transition
- Assistance with Informed decision making
Final Thoughts
No matter your preference – natural, water, home, hospital, private, or public, the Sunshine Coast offers incredible maternity care options. Take a moment to reflect on what matters to you, write it down, and use that as your compass.
✨ Bonus: Want to talk options with someone who’s walked the path? I’m always happy to chat about pregnancy, birth and maternity options.
With love,
Emmy x
Useful Links Recap:
- 🔗 SCUH Maternity Booklet
- 🔗 SCUH Publicly Funded Homebirth
- 🔗 Buderim Private Maternity
- 🔗 Homebirth Australia
- 🔗 USC Connect Program
Dr Emmy Cox
About the Author:
Dr Emmy is trained in the highly effective Fertile Life Method, giving her a broad understanding of Fertility support for both Natural and Assisted Reproductive methods. Emmy has developed an interest in helping people to reach their full health potential, and offers a gentle style of treatment that focuses on the individual’s health goals.You can find out more about Dr Emmy here.
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Bloom Chinese Medicine is an integrative Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic committed to providing the best outcomes for our patients, and empowering them along their journey to optimal fertility and wellness. Centrally located in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, we have visitors from local suburbs and all over Queensland.
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