Private midwife costs in Australia vary significantly, from around $3,500 to $10,000 for full homebirth packages, covering antenatal, birth, and postnatal care, with Medicare rebates often available for endorsed midwives' appointments and some private health insurance offering rebates too. Individual appointments might cost $150-$250 (with Medicare rebates), while complete care packages are much higher, with potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes, a private midwife is often considered worth it for those who value continuity of care, personalized support, fewer interventions, and advocacy, leading to higher satisfaction and potentially better outcomes like increased breastfeeding success, though it comes at a significant cost requiring private insurance or out-of-pocket payment. It offers a trusted, consistent relationship from early pregnancy through postpartum, unlike the fragmented care in some public systems, with options to birth at home, in birth centers, or in hospitals with your midwife present.
Giving birth with a midwife is almost always more affordable than giving birth in a hospital. And substantially so. The cost savings are huge on both the individual and societal levels.
Research about pregnancy care
Some studies have also shown increased satisfaction amongst women who have had a private obstetrician, possibly because they are also getting a level of continuity by seeing the one obstetrician throughout.
Private midwifery services may be partially or fully covered by private health insurance. Coverage details vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. To determine your specific coverage, talk to your midwife and the admin team and then it's essential to contact your insurance provider directly.
On average, private midwifery services cost between £4,000 and £8,000. That typically covers prenatal care, attendance at the birth and postnatal support. For just antenatal support the costs are about £2,500.
The 5-5-5 rule for new moms is a postpartum recovery guideline for the first 15 days, focusing on intense rest: 5 days in bed, bonding and healing; 5 days on the bed, gentle movement like sitting up and getting dressed; and 5 days near the bed, slowly moving around the home while still prioritizing rest, avoiding housework and visitors, and nurturing the body and mind for a smoother transition into motherhood.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions that are 3 minutes apart, lasting 2 minutes each, for 1 hour (or sometimes cited as 3-1-1, meaning 3 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). For subsequent pregnancies, the 5-1-1 Rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour) is often used, indicating labor is progressing more quickly.
The cost of a private homebirth can be between $5,000-8,000, including 2 midwives, your pregnancy care and your postnatal care. There is a partial Medicare rebate available for your antenatal and postnatal appointments. If you choose to be supported by a doula, that will be an additional cost.
The most common birth defect in the United States, a congenital heart defect results when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don't develop normally before birth. One in 110 babies are born with a CHD.
If you have a health condition, or have had a difficult delivery in the past, a midwife may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, they are not typically able to manage multiple births (twins, triplets, or more). They cannot perform cesarean sections or intervene in the event of a medical emergency when needed.
The fee for birth center and/or home birth midwifery care includes all prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care. Our fee does not include labs, ultrasounds, or additional birth supplies.
At a birthing center, the average vaginal birth with no complications may be significantly less expensive compared to the same type of delivery at a hospital. You'll save even more if you use a midwife instead of a doctor — and you increase your chances of getting that natural birth you're hoping for.
Medicare and Private Health Insurance clients expect $2,300 to $3,400 for a hospital birth. Home births have extra fees due to no Medicare rebates. Payment plans are available, and we offer financial assistance in specific cases. Your costs may vary based on individual factors, so let's discuss during the consultation.
“Unfortunately, the current financial and political climate has made trading conditions exceedingly tough, and it has become increasingly costly to provide the service; whilst at the same time, fewer families can afford our service,” the group said.
Questions you might like to ask a private midwife about the care they will provide during your pregnancy may include:
Australia's Baby Bonus started in July 2004 as a $3,000 payment, but it increased to the $5,000 level on July 1, 2008, following earlier increases from $3,000 in 2004 to $4,000 in 2006 and then $5,000 in 2008. The payment, introduced by Treasurer Peter Costello, was a universal lump sum for new parents to help with costs and boost fertility.
How much to budget for a baby per month. The monthly cost of caring for a baby can vary, but a general range is $1,100 to $2,5005 depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes diapers, formula or food, childcare, and medical expenses.
Many people have absolutely no idea of the costs involved in hiring independent midwives and it is a question we are asked frequently. All independent midwives in London charge approximately the same, somewhere in the region of £5,000 – £6,500.
The 5-5-5 rule is a guideline for what kind of help a postpartum mom needs: five days in bed, five days round the bed — meaning minimal walking around — the next five days around the home. This practice will help you prioritize rest and recovery while gradually increasing activity.
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is not hard when you know how to do it! The three golden rules are to always listen to your doctor's advice, eat healthy, and stay active. Remember, don't focus only on your baby's growth because ultimately keeping yourself healthy is the first step to keeping your baby healthy!
Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Many people who miscarry are able to go on to have a healthy pregnancy later. Miscarriages can happen in different ways, that's why it's important to know the different signs and symptoms.
Postpartum (or postnatal) refers to the period after childbirth. Most often, the postpartum period is the first six to eight weeks after delivery, or until your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
This is what experts call the “second night syndrome”. It's a completely normal and common milestone where newborns become more alert, fussy, and demanding during their second day of life—compared to their more “easygoing” first 24 hours.
Baby blues: New parents often experience a dip in mood around the third or fourth day after Baby is born. These “baby blues” are very common and are usually due to hormone shifts, breastfeeding, lack of sleep, and overall fatigue. Baby blues can last up to two weeks and usually go away on their own.