Got Questions?

Everything you need to know about care with MAMA

Pregnancy, birth, and early parenting come with a million questions — and we’re here for all of them. At MAMA, we believe in gentle, holistic, personalised care that honours your body, your baby, and your choices.

Here’s what families often ask us when they’re thinking about home birth, private midwifery, or just wanting a little extra love and support along the way. 

About MAMA 

  • MAMA offers holistic, personalised care for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our services include home birth support in Melbourne and Brisbane, hospital birth care with continuity from your chosen midwife, shared care with GPs or obstetricians, birth classes and workshops, lactation consultations, postnatal home visits, birth trauma debriefs, internal pelvic release work, and a range of allied health services to support you and your baby. We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way. 

  • No — MAMA midwives support you wherever you choose to birth. Many of our families choose home birth for the comfort, privacy, and continuity it offers, but we also work alongside you in the public hospital system, in shared care arrangements with your GP or obstetrician, and even in private hospitals. 

    Whether you’re birthing in your living room, a birth centre, or a delivery suite, you’ll have the same familiar MAMA midwife by your side — offering calm, continuous care from pregnancy through to those precious first weeks at home. 

    If you’d like to explore your options in more detail, book a free discovery call — we’ll answer your questions, listen to your hopes, and help you find the care that feels right for you.

  • MAMA Midwives can offer care for you in accordance with the following models: 

    • During pregnancy/antenatal care 

    • Primary care by a midwife 

    • Shared care by a midwife and a public hospital 

    • Shared care by a midwife and a private obstetrician 

    • Additional care by a midwife (whether you have chosen the public or private system) 

  • A midwife can work as your primary carer or alongside other caregivers you have chosen to support you. The different combinations of caregivers are called ‘models of care.’ The World Health Organisation states that midwives are the most appropriate primary carer for women with a normal pregnancy and birth (WHO, 1996). 

    Furthermore, it is well documented in the literature that midwives improve the short and long term mental and physical health outcomes of the mother and baby both in normal pregnancy and birth, and in collaboration with medical assistance in situations where complications arise. 

    MAMA Midwives can offer care for you in accordance with the following models: 

    • During pregnancy/antenatal care 

    • Primary care by a midwife 

    • Shared care by a midwife and a public hospital 

    • Shared care by a midwife and a private obstetrician 

    • Additional care by a midwife (whether you have chosen the public or private system) 

    Throughout labour and birth 

    • Hospital support by a midwife in the public system 

    • Hospital support by a midwife in the private system 

    • Homebirth with a midwife as primary carer 

    In early parenting/postnatal care 

    • Postnatal care by a midwife in your home 

    • Postnatal care by a midwife in our centre 

    • 6 week check up for you and your baby 

    • Lactation consultation 

  • MAMA has warm and welcoming clinics across Melbourne and Gippsland, with services also available via telehealth. You’ll find us at: 

    Our midwives also travel for home visits in surrounding areas. 

    If you’re unsure whether we can come to you — or to learn more about which clinic is the best fit — book a free discovery call! 

  • You can book online any time through our Booking Page or by calling us on 03 9376 7474. If you’re not sure which service or midwife is right for you, start with a free discovery call so we can answer your questions and help you find the perfect fit. 

  • The earlier, the better. Many families contact us in the first trimester to secure continuity of care for their pregnancy and birth, as our calendars can fill quickly. Even if you’re further along, it’s still worth getting in touch — we’ll do our best to match you with a MAMA midwife who can walk with you through the rest of your journey. You can book straight in or arrange a free discovery call to explore your options. 

Pregnancy Care

  • Congratulations! Finding out you’re pregnant can feel exciting, surreal, and maybe even a little overwhelming. While many people see their GP first, you can also contact a MAMA midwife right away. We can confirm your pregnancy, order any blood tests or ultrasounds you might need, discuss your due date, and talk through all your options for pregnancy care — including your choice of care provider, birth setting, and any supports you might want. The earlier you connect with us, the more personalised and continuous your care can be. You can book our Early Pregnancy Package or a free discovery call to start your journey. 

  • Ideally, as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred midwife and allows you to enjoy the benefits of continuous care from the very start. Some families contact us even before conceiving, just to have their care pathway planned. That said, it’s never too late to reach out — even in your third trimester, we’ll do our best to support you. 

  • No — you can book directly with a MAMA midwife without a GP referral. Our endorsed midwives can order your blood tests and ultrasounds, and refer you to other healthcare providers if needed. This means you can come straight to us to begin your pregnancy care, saving time and ensuring you have consistent, compassionate support from day one. 

  • A private midwife, like the ones at MAMA, is with you from the very beginning — building a relationship, understanding your hopes for birth, and supporting you through pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks with your baby. You see the same familiar faces, and they’re there on your big day whether you’re birthing at home or in hospital. 

    A hospital midwife is often part of a rostered team, so the midwife caring for you in labour may be someone you’ve never met before. While hospital midwives provide wonderful care, the continuity and personal connection you get with a private midwife can make your birth feel calmer, more supported, and truly your own. 

  • Absolutely. Shared care means you see your MAMA midwife for most of your pregnancy appointments while still attending key hospital visits. It’s a great way to combine the personalised, continuous care of a private midwife with the resources of the hospital system. We have shared care arrangements with most public hospitals in Victoria and can also collaborate with some private obstetricians. 

  • In Australia, you can choose from a range of pregnancy care models, including: 

    • Private midwifery care — at home or in collaboration with hospitals/obstetricians 

    • Public hospital care — antenatal clinic, team care, or continuity models 

    • Private obstetric care — in a private hospital setting 

    • Shared care — with a GP or midwife alongside hospital visits 

    Your choice may depend on your health, your preferences, and where you’d like to give birth. At MAMA, we help you explore these options so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you. 

  • Yes — but only with endorsed midwives, which all MAMA midwives are. This means you can claim a Medicare rebate for eligible antenatal and postnatal visits. The exact rebate depends on the appointment type and length, but it can make private midwifery care more affordable than many people realise. We’re happy to give you a breakdown of what you can expect back from Medicare. 

Labour and Birth

  • Homebirth is generally recommended for women with a low-risk pregnancy. This means you’re healthy, your baby is healthy, and there are no complications that would make birth safer in a hospital. At your first appointment, your midwife will assess your pregnancy history, current health, and preferences to determine if homebirth is a suitable option — and we’ll review this throughout your pregnancy. 

  • Yes. We regularly provide labour and birth support in hospitals, working alongside the hospital’s staff. In most cases, our role is as your primary support person and advocate, offering continuity, emotional reassurance, and a familiar face in the hospital environment. This can be especially valuable if you’ve built trust with your MAMA midwife during your pregnancy. 

  • With a private midwife, you get continuity of care — the same trusted professional who’s been with you during pregnancy will be there during labour and birth. Research shows this can lead to better outcomes, reduced interventions, and a more positive birth experience. We provide one-on-one support, personalised care, and evidence-based guidance tailored to your birth preferences. 

  • If a transfer becomes necessary, your midwife will arrange safe and timely transport, accompany you to hospital, and continue to provide support. This may involve handing over clinical care to the hospital team while remaining as your advocate and emotional support person. Our focus is always on your safety and your baby’s wellbeing. 

  • Yes — many women choose MAMA midwives for VBAC support. We provide evidence-based care, personalised preparation, and continuous labour support whether you plan your VBAC at home (if clinically appropriate) or in hospital. We’ll work with you to create a birth plan that maximises your chance of a safe, empowering VBAC. 

  • Yes. Once active labour is established, your midwife will remain with you — at home or in hospital — until your baby is born. This continuity of presence is one of the hallmarks of private midwifery care and helps you feel safe, supported, and confident. 

  • At home, options include water immersion, TENS, massage, acupressure, movement, breathing techniques, and sterile water injections. In hospital, you’ll have access to additional options such as gas (nitrous oxide), pethidine or morphine, and epidurals. We’ll help you understand each method so you can decide what’s right for you. 

  • Yes — postnatal care is a key part of our service. Whether you give birth at home or in hospital, your midwife will visit you in the days and weeks after birth to check on your recovery, your baby’s wellbeing, and your feeding journey. We also offer emotional support, newborn care guidance, and referrals if extra help is needed. 

Inclusivity

  • Absolutely. MAMA is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all families — including LGBTQ+ parents. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and tailor our care to honour your identity, your relationships, and your birth preferences. Your family, your way, with respectful, affirming care at every step. 

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