Frequently Asked Questions
To help you make decisions about whether Surfcoast Midwifery care will meet your needs, I am happy to catch up with you for an informal discussion in your home. This will provide the opportunity to ask questions, and to explain what you are expecting for your care. There is no cost involved, and no obligation for further care. Some of the more common queries people have are answered below…
What does a full package of private midwifery care with Surfcoast Midwifery involve?
Pregnancy care in your home
Labour and birth care at home or in hospital
Postnatal care for up to 6 weeks
Referrals for pathology and radiology tests, and allied health services.
Assistance with booking into hospital (for either hospital birth, or as a backup for planned homebirth).
Attendance of a second midwife as required
The use of a TENS machine and birth pool.
What areas do you cover?
We work with families around the surfcoast, Geelong, and the Bellarine peninsula. If you are outside these areas, feel free to send a message and we can provide contact details of other privately practising midwives.
What if I have complications or risk factors? Can I still have private midwifery care?
Yes! We may need to include other care providers to help work through your particular complexities, but you will have your midwife with you the whole way through. We work within the Australian College of Midwives National Guidelines for Consultation and Referral.
How much does it cost to engage Surfcoast Midwifery?
Merivale is a registered as an eligible, endorsed midwife. If you have a Medicare card, the out of pocket fee to engage Surfcoast Midwifery is $5500. This is a full package of care and includes all of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal visits, as well as any other midwives involved in your care, the use of a birth pool and tens machine.
If you have private health insurance, some health funds offer rebates.
If you are not eligible for Medicare, or if you are seeking care for pregnancy or the postnatal period only, please get in touch as fees and availibility may vary.
Who else is involved in my care? Will I meet other midwives?
We collaborate with other midwives as required. Midwives in private practice are required to plan to have a second midwife in attendance at a home birth. The second midwife will attend your birth if you are birthing at home, and may assist at your birth if required (in an emergency, during a long labour/birth, if your primary midwife should be unavailable). Ideally you will have the opportunity to meet a second midwife prior to the birth. There is no cost to you for a second midwife.
What happens if I need care or have questions between visits?
I am on-call 24/7 if you have concerns about your health or your baby. Other concerns are attended during business hours.