TEAM midwidery is a model of care that is very similar to a birthing centre but run from a hospital. TEAM midwives offer a way for you to have a low intervention, normal birth, they believe in the fact that women can 'do it themselves' and encourage natural pain relief methods and Active Birthing whilst still giving you the facilities for emergency medical care if needed.

The midwives are often trained for water births but all will encourage you to use the bath for labour.

They also offer continuity of care so you meet all the midwives (or most) during your pregnancy so when you are in labour you'll be familiar with your midwife, plus your postnatal and home care will be given by the same midwives (ideally).

How do I use TEAM Midwifery?

Firstly contact your local hospital to find out if they have this service, if so you need to ask about the TEAM midwives at the time of booking. They will most likely ask you to see a GP who will make sure you qualify as low-risk and essentially 'approve' you for their program. They will post you the booking information which includes a list of 'accredited' GPs who offer the shared care model with that hospital if you would prefer to see a GP throughout your pregnancy alongside the midwives.

During your pregnancy you will ideally get to meet all (or at least most depending on how many are on the team) the TEAM midwives and one of them will be on duty at the time you go into labour.

If any of these complications occur you will be transferred into the care of an obstetrician:

During pregnancy

• high blood pressure
• baby is in breech position
• premature labour - pre 37 weeks
• bleeding

During labour

• intervention such as forceps or ventouse is required
• caesarean
   

The best place to find out about the availability & policies of the TEAM midwives is to contact your local hospital. You can also check if your local hospital is an accredited 'Baby Friendly' Hospital by visiting http://www.bfhi.org.au/text/bfhi_hospitals.html