"Midwife Group Practice"

A Heartfelt Experience with the Margaret River MGP Program

I recently had the privilege of being part of the Margaret River Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program, and I cannot speak highly enough of the care, support, and love I received throughout my pregnancy and postpartum journey.

From the very beginning, the program offered a level of care that felt deeply personal and individualised—something truly rare in public healthcare. My antenatal appointments were held in the birthing suite, which helped me feel comfortable and familiar with the environment. The midwives provided evidence-based, unbiased information and guided me toward helpful resources whenever I needed more insight. Their knowledge and experience put me completely at ease, and I always felt empowered to make informed decisions about my care.

As my due date came and went, the team respected my decision to wait for labour to begin naturally. At no point did I feel pressured into an induction; instead, I was continually supported with information and compassion. Although I was unable to birth at Margaret River Hospital due to being over 42 weeks—classified as outside their “low-risk” criteria—my midwives went above and beyond to ensure I still felt supported and safe throughout the entire process. Their care felt more like that of close family than medical professionals, and that genuine connection was incredibly comforting.

The postpartum care was equally exceptional. The home visits in those early, vulnerable days felt more like check-ins with dear friends than clinical appointments. This level of nurturing support made such a difference during a time when many mothers can feel isolated or overwhelmed.

The only downside to my experience was related to hospital policy, not the midwifery care itself. Because I was over 42 weeks, I was no longer eligible to birth at Margaret River—even though I was in active labour by the midnight cut-off. I was only 2cm dilated at the time, so I was required to transfer to Bunbury Hospital. Unfortunately, this resulted in a long and stressful drive at 3am in the middle of winter, during very active labour. I believe this policy could benefit from review, as being forced to leave a familiar and supportive environment during labour can and did negatively impact on my birth experience. Extending the midnight cut-off to a later time in the morning, such as 9am, might provide more flexibility, especially given that many labours naturally progress during the early hours of the morning.

That said, this was a policy issue and in no way a reflection on the exceptional care I received from the midwives at Margaret River. Their dedication, kindness, and professionalism were truly unmatched.

To anyone considering a birth at Margaret River Hospital or joining the MGP program, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was one of the most beautiful and supportive experiences I’ve had, and I’ll always be grateful for the incredible team who walked beside me every step of the way.