Women and families in the Snowy Monaro are set to benefit from improved access to midwifery continuity of care, with the launch of a Midwifery Group Practice model at Cooma Hospital.
Under the model, women will receive continuity of care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and up to two weeks after birth. A dedicated small team of midwives will work alongside local GPs and obstetricians to provide individualised maternity care.
Care following birth will also offer reassurance, breastfeeding support, and early detection of health concerns, helping to improve outcomes and ensure women and families feel confident.
The dedicated four-midwife Cooma MGP team began accepting referrals in late 2025 and is already caring for mums and families. Appointments are available at clinics in Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne, or in the woman's home.
The Midwifery Group Practice model is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models across the state, which was supported by a $44.8 million investment in the 2025-28 NSW Budget.
For more information, visit Pregnancy, birth and baby in Southern NSW.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The establishment of the Cooma Midwifery Group Practice is the latest in a broader expansion of midwifery continuity of care services across NSW.
"We are strengthening midwifery services across the state, to ensure women can access high quality care closer to home.
"The newly established care model will give families more choice, and will provide expecting and new mothers with world-class, evidence-based care."
Quotes attributable to Member for Monaro Steve Whan:
"This is a major step forward for maternity care in the Monaro. Local families have told us how important it is to have a Midwifery Group Practice model available in our region. I'm delighted to see the Cooma Hospital introducing this important model of care."
Quotes attributable to SNSWLHD Chief Executive Margaret Bennett:
"Continuity of care with a known midwife leads to better outcomes for women and babies. We're proud to offer individualised, evidence-based care that supports women through one of life's most important journeys.
"This approach also supports our midwives to work to their full scope of practice and ensure safe, coordinated care for every family."
Quotes attributable to Olivia Jordan, Registered Midwife with the Cooma Midwifery Group Practice
"Continuity of care models are evidence-based. Women who know their midwife report feeling safer, more informed, and more supported. This relationship improves trust and communication, which is critical during labour and birth.
"I'm passionate about helping women feel supported and confident, and this model is all about teamwork. We're there for women from the first pregnancy care visit right through to two weeks after birth."
