Tuesday March 25, 2025
Homebirth program marks successful first year
Barwon Health’s homebirth program is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a successful year of offering women the choice to birth at home with expert support.
The Barwon Health homebirth program launched in January 2024 after a successful trial in November 2023.
Since its launch, 46 babies have been born at home with the support of the program, with demand growing each month.
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) coordinator Serena Pellizzeri says that the program is much needed in the community.
“Our community has asked for this program and the MGP team have been strong advocates for getting the program up and running. Demand continues to grow now that women are sharing their experiences about the program,” she said.
“It is extremely rewarding that women in our community now have more choices about where they can safely birth. Homebirth is a safe model of care for low-risk women.”
The program allows local women to birth in the comfort of their own home.
It is offered to women who meet agreed clinical criteria and live within 30 minutes of University Hospital Geelong.
Modelled on Western Health’s successful program in Melbourne, the program is an extension of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), which provides safe and sustainable maternity care for women and families during pregnancy, birth and the first two weeks at home with a new baby.
Nine credentialed midwives work in the program and are in the process of training additional staff to be able to provide homebirth care.
Each month, MGP has a waitlist of at least 35 women wanting to access the service.
A celebratory event was held on 20 March for women who have birthed at home, women who plan to birth at home and members of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) team.
The event was an opportunity for women to share their experiences about the program and for staff and families to celebrate a successful first year.
For more information about the program, click here.