Women with low risk pregnancies who are seeking an active birth experience, is woman centred and situated in a home like environment may wish to consider the Family Birth Centre.

This small midwifery unit provides all antenatal, labour and post birth care by a group of dedicated midwives, overseen by two Obstetric Consultants affiliated with the centre.

To be eligible for this model of care approval by one of the centre's Obstetricians is required. Certain existing medical conditions, previous or current pregnancy complications may determine that this is not a suitable model of care for you. If this is the case you will be offered an alternative model of care within the hospital.

The centre has four large double bedrooms all with ensuites as well as a large bath that you may wish to use during your labour. All medical equipment is discreetly located and all services that a tertiary hospital affords are readily available.

Postnatal stay is 24 hours after which you will be discharged home and then visited usually the next day by one of the midwives from the hospital (domicilliary midwife).

Once you are booked into the hospital, you decide that you would like to receive your maternity care through the Family Birth Centre, you will need to attend an information session which will give you an overview of the unit, meet one or two of the midwives and have an opportunity to ask any questions.

Whichever model of care you choose we hope that your experience will be fondly remembered by you and your family.

All that is needed is a referral from a GP and you can get further information from the staff at the Family Birth Centre on (03) 8458 4082.