Antenatal Shared Care is a program that gives women with low-risk pregnancies the choice of having most of their antenatal care provided by a Private Practise Midwife, unless there is a concern for you or your baby. Antenatal Shared Care midwives are accredited with Westmead Hospital and have experience and training in providing antenatal and postnatal family care to women in the community.
If you wish to make use of the midwife Antenatal Shared Care service you will be required to visit Westmead Hospital for an initial “booking in” visit at the hospital antenatal clinic. Your antenatal shared care midwife does not deliver your baby; the birth unit midwives at Westmead Hospital will take care of you during your labour and birth and the hospital obstetrician will be called in, if necessary. Your antenatal shared care midwife can then see you and your baby for postnatal checks and breastfeeding support after discharge from hospital. Jane Palmer is accredited with Westmead Hospital to provide Antenatal Shared Care.
REASONS TO CHOOSE ANTENATAL SHARED CARE WITH YOUR MIDWIFE
Your midwife knows you and your family and can often provide more personalised and comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care for you and your baby. Seeing your midwife can mean more flexibility with appointments and many women also prefer the continuity of care that a midwife can provide.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
Ask your midwife at Westmead Hospital’s booking-in clinic for a referral to the Privately Practising Midwife Antenatal Shared Care program. Your suitability for Antenatal Shared Care will be assessed during your booking visit. Influencing factors include any pre-existing diseases, your previous obstetric history and other personal factors.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY MIDWIFE IS ACCREDITED?
You can simply ask your midwife if they are accredited with the Antenatal Shared Care program.
Other options available for Antenatal Care include:
- Attending the antenatal clinic at Westmead Hospital
- Seeing Westmead Hospital midwives at locations outside of Westmead Hospital
- Employing the services of a private obstetrician.
- Seeing a Shared Care GP
EXAMPLE OF VISIT SCHEDULE WITH ANTENATAL SHARED CARE MIDWIVES
| Week 12 | Midwife | First antenatal visit |
| Weeks 12-15 | Hospital | Booking-in visit with midwife |
| Week 18 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 20 | Ultrasound | |
| Weeks 24-26 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 28 | Midwife or Hospital |
Routine check |
| Week 31 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 34 | Midwife or Hospital |
Routine check |
| Week 36 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 38 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 39 | Midwife | Extra routine check for first-time mothers |
| Weeks 40-41 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 41 | Midwife | Post dates assessment |
| Birth to 6 weeks |
Midwife | Postnatal check |
| 6 – 7 weeks | Midwife | Mother and baby check |
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MIDWIFERY SHARED CARE
You can either call to find out more details about seeing Jane Palmer for midwifery shared care 1300 MIDWYF (1300 649 993) or make an appointment (see form below). You can also see Westmead Hospital’s Website or call the Westmead Hospital Antenatal Clinic 02 8890 6508.
Costs to see Jane Palmer for Midwifery Shared Care
Antenatal Visits
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| Description | Length of visit | Cost of Visit | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket | Safety Net Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking visit | 60 minutes | $135 | $45.40 | $89.60 | $21.40 |
| Short Antenatal | 20 minutes | $50.00 | $27.50 | $22.50 | $16.10 |
| Long Antenatal | 40 minutes | $85.00 | $45.40 | $39.60 | $21.40 |
| Extra Long Antenatal | 60 minutes | $135.00 | $45.40 | $89.60 | $21.40 |
| Maternity Care Plan | 90 minutes | $289.00 | $271.15 | $17.85 | $53.45 |
Postnatal Visits
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| Description | Length of visit | Cost of Visit | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket | Safety Net Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Postnatal | 20 minutes | $75.00 | $45.40 | $29.60 | $16.10 |
| Long Postnatal | 40 minutes | $95.00 | $66.75 | $28.25 | $21.40 |
| Extra Long Postnatal | 60 minutes | $110.00 | $66.75 | $43.25 | $21.40 |
| Postnatal Home Visit | 60 minutes | $140.00 | $66.75 | $73.25 | $21.40 |
| Six Week Visit | 60 minutes | $100.00 | $45.40 | $54.60 | $16.10 |
* Safety Net Payment – additional rebate for Australian families and singles who incur out-of-pocket costs for Medicare eligible out-of-hospital services. You may be eligible to receive this payment in addition to the standard Medicare rebate for midwifery services once you reached the annual threshold of out-of-pocket expenses. To find out more visit Medicare’s website.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
If you would like to book an appointment with Jane please fill in the form below or phone
1300 MIDWYF. Please indicate your preferred day, time and reason for your appointment. Your appointment is not confirmed until you receive either a phone call or email