Birth and Beyond advocates for woman-centred care, recognising that every birth is unique and every family has the right to choose where and how they give birth.
There are different Birth Choices in Alice Springs depending on your needs:
Midwifery Group Practice
The Midwifery Practice enables women to be cared for by a MGP midwife throughout their pregnancy, during birth and in the early weeks at home. Midwifery care focuses on the individual needs of each woman and their family and allows the them to establish trust and rapport with a small team of midwives. Home visits can be arranged during the pregnancy, in labour and after the birth. Women can choose to birth at home (see below) or in the hospital. Contact MGP on 8951 7067 and ask to speak to an MGP midwife.
Home Birth
Alice Springs is fortunate to have home births available as an option through the public health system, where it is free of charge and fully integrated with the Midwifery Group Practice for those women who are considered low risk. Many parents in Alice Springs have had their baby born in their own home, and enjoyed the continuity of care this service
provides. This means you have a small team of midwives for all your care, before, during and after birth. Women consistently respond and enjoy the whole process more when they have formed a strong relationship with their carer. Should complications arise in the pregnancy or birth you will be referred to specialist care at the Alice Springs Hospital, and your MGP midwife will accompany you. Some reasons that families choose home birth are:
- Pregnancy and birth are seen as a normal and healthy process rather than a medical condition.
- Birth is a family centred event.
- Having the security and comfort of a familiar environment.
- Being able to labour without drugs and to explore ways of handling pain that will not interfere with the progress of the birth.
- Continuity of care by the same midwife throughout pregnancy, birth and the early post-natal weeks.
Alice Springs Hospital
Antenatal care is provided for women in the Maternity Unit, first floor of the hospital. Some of the clinics might be provided in the MGP house. You can book an appointment yourself or be referred by your doctor. Doctors, midwives or a combination of both can provide antenatal care.
ASH is a training institution so there may be times when you will be asked to consider having a supervised medical/midwifery student involved with your care. You may decline this request if you choose to. Clinics are staffed by the person rostered for the day which may change from visit to visit, but usually you would see the same two or three midwives for the majority of your pregnancy. You may also see these midwives in labour and in the postnatal period, as they all work on the floor of the Maternity Unit also.
Initial Visit
The first appointment to the hospital may take up to an hour. Your medical history and
general wellbeing will be documented. Information regarding birthing choices and screening
tests in pregnancy will be discussed.
Consultant/Doctors Clinic
The specialist obstetrician/doctor provides care for women who have health problems or complicated pregnancies. Women will be referred to a specialist by the midwife at their first appointment if that is required.
Midwives Clinic
Each clinic session is allocated two midwives. It is your choice to stay with the same clinic
day or meet the other midwives on their clinic day. Midwives are educated to care for
healthy women with healthy pregnancies. We promote pregnancy, birth and parenthood as
normal life events. These midwives also work on the floor of the Maternity Unit and may
care for you in labour as well as postnatally. Some of the midwives are also happy to be on
call for your labour and this can be requested at your appointments.
Shared Care
Women may need or choose combined care between various caregivers such as remote communities/doctors or midwives/doctors.
Domiciliary Service
Midwifery support is provided for about 5 days after discharge from hospital. The midwife will visit you at home if you are discharged from the hospital early and can continue to do so for up to a week generally.
Cost: Nil
Contact Number: 8951 7620 or 8951 7621 to make an appointment for all antenatal clinics
You can call to book an appointment from 8 weeks gestation
Address: Gap Road, Alice Springs
Congress Alukura
Congress Alukura is a women’s only health service that provides women’s health and maternity care to Aboriginal women. Midwives, GPs and the visiting Obstetrician provide care, all practitioners at Alukura are female. Care is also provided for babies up to 8 weeks. The Birth Centre at Alukura may be available to women who have normal pregnancies. Transport to and from Alukura can be provided and all services are free.
Contact Number: 8953 2727 to make an appointment or find out more
Address: Percy Court, Alice Springs
Specialist Obstetrician and Midwife
Unfortunately there is not a private obstetrician currently working in Alice Springs.
General Medical Practitioners (GP)
Some GPs may care for women who are healthy and having normal pregnancies.
- Bath Street Family Medical Centre: 8952 2000
- Central Clinic: 8952 1088
- Mall Medical Clinic: 8952 2744
Fees: All GP clinics charge a fee, which is partly refunded by Medicare.