The Birth Centre model of care was established through the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) in December 2019. The Birth Centre complements the Maternity services already offered by Sunshine Coast Health including:
- Birth Suite
- Childbirth and parenting education classes
- Child Health Clinics
- Person-centered care from a multidisciplinary team*
- Extended Midwifery Service (EMS)
- Home birth
- Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) care
The Birth Centre model of care offered though the MGP program, provides continuity of care with a known midwife for women who are motivated to have a low intervention, and active approach to their pregnancy and birth.
Our Philosophy of Care
The philosophy upheld by the Birth Centre midwives is one which promotes birth as a natural and profound life. Our focus is to provide optimal safe care to mother and baby whilst maintaining respect for the woman’s autonomy and right to choose. Through partnership, shared decisions, and informed consent we aim to support and empower women to achieve the physiological birth they desire.
Sunshine Coast University Hospital Birth Centre
The Birth Centre is located within the Birthing Suite at SCUH right next to Maternity services. This space is designed to promote and support physiological labour and birth, while still having access to medical assistance if needed. The birth space aims to promote physiology and supporting women to use natural forms of coping and techniques of their choice is also encouraged and facilitated in this model of care.
While the Birth Centre is predominately a low-risk model of care, the midwives also work alongside the obstetric team to support women with additional risk factors such as achieving a Vaginal Birth after Caesarean section (VBAC).
Following the birth of your baby, if all is well, the midwives support transition to your home from six hours after birth. You will have access to 24/7 post-natal phone support with ongoing visits within the home from the first 24 hours after birth and as required up to six weeks post birth.
Mums’ experiences of our Birth Centre
Hear directly from some of the mums who have experienced the service firsthand.
Jacqui
“My midwives created a nurturing environment where I felt empowered and well-informed every step of the way. A private touch in a public setting.”
Natalie
“I've been lucky enough to be accepted into the Birth Centre MGP model of care for my previous two pregnancies and births. The midwives that cared for myself were so warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. They aligned with my desire for this process of birth and made me feel relaxed and confident with every appointment.”
Bianca
“Being a part of the Birth Centre Midwifery team was an essential part of me having an extremely positive birth experience. The antenatal care was personal and thorough, and the relationship built with my midwives made me and my partner feel seen and comfortable. When it came to my birth plan, both my midwives and I knew I could birth without intervention, and I felt confident I had the support of my team to give me and my baby the safest and most positive birth.”
How do I access the Birth Centre model of care?
If you are interested in this model of care and would like to birth at SCUH, please ask your GP to send a pregnancy referral requesting Birth Centre MGP care and register your interest by emailing SC-MGP@health.qld.gov.au.
*The multidisciplinary team of clinicians includes dietitians, physiotherapy, social work/Children's Plus, mental health/perinatal wellbeing service, obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine, general practitioners, neonatal team, lactation consultants, child health, and sexual health.