"MGP program at Box Hill Hospital"

We were a part of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program at Box Hill and were very impressed with the care and support provided by our midwife and the MGP team. The antenatal visits and the MGP information session were thorough and prepared me well for birth and going home early.

My midwife was fantastic during the birth. She was patient and supportive and provided the right balance between letting the birth take it's natural course and intervening with some suggested positions and pain management techniques when I had trouble during the second stage.

I also had a lovely experience with a student midwife who followed me through the course of the pregnancy. It was great to gain a different insight into the birth experience and midwifery in a more informal setting. She was also very supportive during the birth. I would highly recommend this program as it provides a continuity of care, particularly if you aren't a part of the MGP program.

I felt the MGP program prepared me well for coming home early and adequate support was provided by the follow up home visits. I was also very happy to come home to the comfort of my own bed.

That said, I am not convinced of the 6 hour discharge following birth. Even though I had a lot of support from family, it is nearly impossible to rest at home in the same way you would if you were at hospital. To this end, my previous MGP type experience was more supportive of recovery: the program included a one night stay in hospital room with a double bed so your partner could also stay.