"Birthing program"

I birthed my first child at Karratha Health Campus this year and am shocked at the apparent lack of choice of model of care for birthing women. It seemed to me women birthing at Karratha have only one option - GP Shared Care. I feel there is no model that ensures continuity of care for women by a known provider. I believe evidence shows birthing outcomes are safer, and women's perception of their birth experience more positive when cared for by a known health professional. I truly believe my birth was negatively impacted upon as a result of not knowing my healthcare provider more than once during my birth 

I did not feel supported, safe, empowered or advocated for. I saw several different providers at all stages of my antenatal care then during my birth was cared for by yet another provider not known to me. I felt that my choices were not asked for or listened to by some of the clinicians, and at times I did not feel they were confident in their delivery of care. With all the apparent evidence surrounding the benefits of providing continuity of care for birthing women, I cannot fathom why there is not a Midwifery Group Practice model being offered at Karratha.