Maternity care is expanding across the Macarthur region, following the launch of the first homebirth service at Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals.
The new Public Homebirth Service will offer women with low-risk pregnancies, under the care of the hospitals Midwifery Group Practice and antenatal clinics, the choice to birth at home.
This service is the first of its kind for the South Western Sydney Local Health District and will ensure women across the region receive continuity of care from midwives throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period in their home.
The service aligns with NSW Health's commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality, woman-centred maternity care.
To be eligible, women must:
- be under the care of Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals' Midwifery Group Practice
- have a low-risk pregnancy
- live within a set driving distance to hospital
- feel supported and comfortable to birth at home.
An assessment will be completed during pregnancy to ensure the home environment is suitable. If risk factors develop or circumstances change, women will continue to receive care from their Midwifery Group Practice midwife in hospital.
Studies show women with low-risk pregnancies who give birth at home with a midwife are more likely to have a positive birth experience, with lower rates of intervention. Women often report greater comfort, privacy and a stronger sense of control during labour and birth.
The Minns Government's last budget included a $44.8 million investment to increase access to midwifery continuity of care models, including an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park:
"This new service gives women and families in the Macarthur region more choice about where and how they give birth.
"We have heard what matters most to women and their families, including the need for choice.
"We're committed to ensuring women have greater access to midwifery continuity of care, we are thrilled to see this service made available to mothers in South Western Sydney."
Quotes attributable to Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren:
"This is a significant milestone for local maternity services and for families who want to explore the option of homebirth.
"Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals' Public Homebirth Service ensures that choice is supported with the highest standards of clinical care."
Quotes attributable to Member for Camden Sally Quinnell:
"Families in the Camden region now have access to a service that brings midwifery care into the home, while maintaining strong links to hospital support if needed."
Quotes attributable to Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals General Manager Grant Isedale:
"Our new service recognises that maternity care should meet the needs and preferences of women, while continuing to prioritise safety.
"I thank our team of midwives and clinicians for their outstanding work to develop this new service for eligible local women.''
