All photography provided by Jared Chambers

We are a group of passionate parents, who seek to create positive change for birthing parents in our region. 

We identified from our own experiences the huge gap in maternity care for local women – those participating in midwife-led care through the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) had overwhelmingly positive experiences, whereas those who missed out on the programme were often left with experiences which were disappointing and sometimes traumatic. 

The gold standard of care

International research has recognised that a midwifery-led continuity of care model is the most cost-effective and safest model of care. Delivering the best outcomes for mothers and babies compared to any other model of care. The MGP in Wollongong gives women this model of care – where a known midwife provides care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. 

7 out of 10 miss out

Our initial research found that although every year 2,800 people give birth at Wollongong Hospital, only 10% of those are given access to the Midwifery Group Practice. 

In 2016, a Better Births Illawarra survey of more than 200 local parents gathered anecdotal evidence and feedback on experiences accessing maternity services, where over 96% reported very positive experiences of the Midwifery Group Practice. 

What We've Achieved