FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Book a Midwife really bulk billed?
Yes!
If you have a valid Medicare card and meet the Medicare eligibility criteria
-
pregnant,
-
within your first 7 weeks postpartum and
-
within Australia at the time of your appointment),
Your appointments with our endorsed midwives are bulk billed.
That means no out-of-pocket costs for eligible appointments.
We believe every woman deserves access to a midwife, not just those who can afford private care.
Do I still need a GP?
Not necessarily.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to see a GP first.
Our endorsed midwives can request pregnancy blood tests, ultrasounds, prescribe many pregnancy and postpartum medications, provide referrals, complete pregnancy paperwork, and support you throughout your pregnancy and the first seven weeks after birth.
What can a midwife actually help me with?
More than most people realise!
We can support you with:
-
Confirmation of pregnancy
-
Blood test and ultrasound requests
-
NIPT and pregnancy screening
-
Morning sickness and pregnancy symptoms
-
Prescriptions
-
Hospital referrals
-
Birth planning
-
Reviewing your results
-
Breastfeeding support
-
Postpartum recovery
-
Newborn feeding and parenting support
-
Birth debriefs
-
Birth Education
-
Coaching
-
Advocacy Support
-
Second Opinions
-
Lactation Consultants
-
Neurodiversity in Pregnancy Support
-
.....+ much more
And if something falls outside our scope, we'll make sure you get referred to the right person.
When can I start seeing a midwife?
As soon as you find out you're pregnant!
Seriously.
Missed a period.
Positive Pregnancy Home Test
You don't need to wait until you're 12 weeks or until the hospital contacts you.
Many women book with us as soon as they see those two pink lines so we can help organise blood tests, dating scans, discuss care options and answer all those "Is this normal?!" questions.
But also at any time throughout pregnancy and your first 7 weeks postpartum.
Can I see the same midwife each appointment?
Yes! And we encourage it.
Continuity of care is at the heart of what we do.
We believe EVERY PREGNANT WOMAN must have access to a form of continuity of care, and that is what we provide!
Getting to know one midwife means you don't have to repeat your story at every appointment, and it allows us to provide more personalised care.
Is this for high-risk pregnancies too?
Absolutely.
Whether you're having a straightforward pregnancy or a more complex one, we're here to support you.
If you need additional specialist care, we'll work alongside your obstetrician, GP or hospital team to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
Are virtual appointments by phone or video?
All Book a Midwife appointments are conducted via secure video consultation.
Video appointments allow us to provide safer, higher-quality care and ensure we're meeting Medicare requirements by confirming we're providing care to the correct person.
The good news?
You can join your appointment from anywhere in Australia using your phone, tablet or computer. Whether you're at home on the couch, at work, or even on holidays.
Most women are surprised by just how personal a video appointment feels.
You'll have dedicated time with your midwife to ask questions, discuss your concerns, review results and make a plan together, all from the comfort of your own home.
No waiting rooms.
No travel.
No sitting in a GP clinic feeling miserable with morning sickness.
Just expert midwifery care, wherever you are
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Usually same day or within days
We know pregnancy doesn't wait, so we aim to offer same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
PREGNANCY
For: Pregnancy confirmation, testing and scanning, questions answered, and pregnancy care alongside your hospital, with daily, unlimited access to your own midwife.
Got a question? A thought? A concern? Need a test or scan completed? We've got you. Book a Midwife works alongside your hospital or OB care, not instead of it, giving you unlimited, bulk billed access to your own endorsed midwife. Every day of the week, for every part of pregnancy.
Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share.
Pregnancy confirmation, early pregnancy support, first trimester testing and scanning and compassionate care if things don't go to plan, including early pregnancy loss.
This is a paragraph where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the company.
Antenatal clinic, private obstetrician and high-risk or shared care referrals, sorted without the wait. Plus pathology, ultrasound and genetic referrals, screening and testing options explained in detail, not "go do this"!
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Hyperemesis (HG) support, heartburn, UTIs, thrush, constipation, body aches, vaginal discharge and all the "is this normal?" questions
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Continuity of care is the gold standard and normally the hardest thing to get. Not with us. No matter where you live or how high-risk your pregnancy is, you pick your midwife and you keep her, from your first appointment to your last. You decide how often you see her and what you talk about. Your questions, your pace, your call. Full control, a real relationship, and the research to back it: continuity of care improves outcomes for you and your baby. All covered by Medicare.
Expert Midwifery care, wherever you are in your pregnancy and beyond.
At Book a Midwife, we've reimagined what pregnancy care can look like. We combine the expertise of experienced endorsed midwives with the convenience of online appointments Australia-wide and in-person appointments at selected clinic locations, making it easier than ever to access trusted, evidence-based care.
From the moment you discover you're pregnant, we're here to guide you through every stage of the journey. Whether you need pregnancy confirmation, blood tests, genetic screening, hospital referrals, prescriptions, birth planning or postpartum support, you'll have direct access to experienced midwives who take the time to know you, not just your pregnancy.
We believe exceptional care starts with genuine connection. That means appointments where your questions are welcomed, your choices are respected and your care is tailored to your individual needs. No rushed consultations. No one-size-fits-all advice. Just personalised, evidence-based support that helps you make confident decisions throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Our model is built on accessibility, continuity and compassionate care. Appointments are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders, making expert pregnancy care available to more Australian families. Whether you meet with us through secure telehealth or visit one of our clinics, you'll receive the same high standard of professional, woman-centred care.
SERVICES
Expert pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, for everyone, wherever you are in Australia. Our endorsed midwives provide personalised, evidence-based support through online appointments Australia-wide and in-person appointments at selected clinic locations.
From positive pregnancy tests and antenatal care to birth planning, postpartum support, referrals, prescriptions and everything in between, we're here to help you feel informed, confident and genuinely cared for.
Best of all, most appointments are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders, making expert midwifery care more accessible when you need it most.
Your Local Midwife - Bacchus Marsh
West Maddingley Early Years & Community Hub - 26 McCormacks Rd, Maddingley VIC 3340
Our Bacchus Marsh clinic provides personalised, one-on-one pregnancy and postpartum care in a welcoming environment, giving you access to experienced endorsed midwives throughout your journey.
Services Available
-
Private Midwife Antenatal Care
-
Shared Care with Ballarat Health Services, Western Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health and The Royal Women's Hospital
-
Short & Long Pregnancy Appointments
-
Pregnancy Confirmation & Early Pregnancy Care
-
Antenatal Blood Test, Pathology & Ultrasound Request Forms
-
Pregnancy Prescriptions (where clinically appropriate)
-
Hospital, Specialist & Allied Health Referrals
-
Blood Pressure Monitoring
-
Fundal Height Assessments
-
Fetal Heart Rate Checks
-
Assessment of Baby's Position
-
Birth Planning Appointments
-
One-on-One Childbirth Education
-
Postpartum Appointments
-
Breastfeeding Support
-
Birth Debriefing
-
Six-Week Mother & Baby Health Checks
Your Local Midwife - Moonee Ponds
House of Health - 18 Young Street, Moonee Ponds, VIC, 3039
Our Moonee Ponds clinic offers comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum care, with the added convenience of specialised pregnancy infusion services.
Services Available
-
Private Midwife Antenatal Care
-
Shared Care with Ballarat Health Services, Western Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health and The Royal Women's Hospital
-
Short & Long Pregnancy Appointments
-
Pregnancy Confirmation & Early Pregnancy Care
-
Antenatal Blood Test, Pathology & Ultrasound Request Forms
-
Pregnancy Prescriptions (where clinically appropriate)
-
Hospital, Specialist & Allied Health Referrals
-
Blood Pressure Monitoring
-
Fundal Height Assessments
-
Fetal Heart Rate Checks
-
Assessment of Baby's Position
-
Birth Planning Appointments
-
One-on-One Childbirth Education
-
Postpartum Appointments
-
Breastfeeding Support
-
Birth Debriefing
-
Six-Week Mother & Baby Health Checks
-
Pregnancy Hydration Infusions for:
-
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
-
Pregnancy-related dehydration
-
Cold & flu symptoms during pregnancy
-
Postpartum hydration and lactation support
-
-
Iron Infusions (when clinically indicated)
BIRTH PREP
For: First-timers who don't know where to start, second (or third) timers who want to do it differently this time, and anyone who didn't realise their midwife appointments could include their birth education.
No one hands you a manual for birth prep. You know you're "meant" to do something, a class, a book, a hospital tour, but no one tells you it can actually happen inside your midwife appointments, not as a separate course you have to find the time and money for. At Book a Midwife, birth education is built into your care from the start, so by the time labour rolls around, you're not guessing.
Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share.
Your pregnancy appointments can be used for personalised childbirth education at any stage of pregnancy. Instead of a generic group class, you'll receive one-on-one education tailored to your pregnancy, your birth preferences and your questions. Book as many sessions as you like and learn at your own pace. Partners and support people are welcome to attend.
This is a paragraph where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the company.
One of the greatest benefits of working with Book a Midwife is experiencing genuine continuity of midwifery care throughout your pregnancy.
While we won't be physically present at your birth, our goal has never been for you to rely on us. It's to help you build trust in yourself.
Over the course of your pregnancy, we get to know you, your story, your questions, your fears and your goals. Every appointment builds on the last, giving you the space to learn, prepare and make informed decisions with confidence.
Research shows that continuity of midwifery care improves outcomes for women and babies. We believe that's because confidence isn't built in a single appointment, it's built over months of education, conversation, trust and support.
By the time labour begins, our hope is simple: not that you need us beside you, but that you walk into birth believing in yourself.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Use your appointments to create a personalised birth plan with an experienced endorsed midwife. We'll talk through your birth preferences, explain your options, discuss common interventions, answer your questions and help you prepare for different birth scenarios, so you feel informed, confident and ready for birth.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Whether you're planning a physiological birth, induction, VBAC or caesarean birth, we're here to help you understand your options. Use your appointments to discuss recommendations, understand the evidence, prepare for upcoming decisions and feel confident advocating for the care that's right for you.
POSTPARTUM
For: New parents trying to work out what's normal, families wanting extra support after leaving hospital, anyone navigating feeding, recovery, newborn life or simply wanting a midwife to call on after birth.
The day your baby is born isn't the day you stop needing a midwife. In fact, for many families, it's when the questions really begin. You're learning your baby, recovering from birth, navigating feeding, running on very little sleep and trying to work out if what you're experiencing is normal. Yet this is often when the support becomes less frequent.
At Book a Midwife, postpartum care is built into your journey. Whether you need help with your newborn, support with breastfeeding, advice about your recovery or the chance to process your birth experience, you can continue booking appointments with our experienced midwives. Because the weeks after birth deserve just as much support as the months before it.
Change the text and add your own content, including any information that is relevant to share.
Those first few weeks come with a steep learning curve, and no question is too small. Whether you're worried about feeding, sleep, weight gain, jaundice, settling, bathing, cord care or simply wondering, "Is this normal?", we're here to guide you through it. Our appointments are personalised to your baby, your family and your parenting journey, helping you feel more confident, one question at a time.
This is a paragraph where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the company.
Your baby matters, but so do you. Recovery after birth looks different for every woman. Use your appointments to discuss physical recovery, caesarean or perineal healing, bleeding, pelvic floor recovery, emotional wellbeing, contraception, returning to exercise and adjusting to life after birth. We're here to support your recovery, not just your baby's.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby, and it's okay if it doesn't feel easy straight away. Our team includes International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who can help with attachment, positioning, low milk supply, oversupply, nipple pain, expressing, pumping, mixed feeding, tongue tie concerns, weaning and more. Whether you're breastfeeding, combination feeding or bottle feeding, our goal is to help you meet your feeding goals.
Describe a feature you’d like to share about this company or highlight a particular service it offers.
Every birth leaves a story.
Whether your birth was everything you hoped for, completely different to what you expected, or somewhere in between, taking the time to process your experience can be incredibly valuable. Birth debriefing provides a safe space to unpack what happened, ask the questions you didn't get to ask, understand the clinical decisions that were made and make sense of your birth story.
For many women, it's an opportunity to celebrate their strength, find closure, process difficult emotions and move forward with confidence, whether that's into motherhood or preparing for a future pregnancy.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
IN PERSON AT OUR MIDWIFE CLINICS
Our Bacchus Marsh and Moonee Ponds clinics combine the continuity and personalised care Book a Midwife is known for with the benefits of hands-on, face-to-face midwifery care. Whether you're looking for comprehensive antenatal care, postpartum support, lactation support or specialised pregnancy treatments, our experienced midwives are here to support you throughout your journey.
We provide private midwife antenatal care, postpartum care, six-week postnatal checks, and pregnancy infusions at our Moonee Ponds clinic, giving women access to expert care in a calm, welcoming environment.
For women choosing public hospital care, we also offer private midwife shared care in collaboration with Ballarat Health Services, Western Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Northern Health and The Royal Women's Hospital, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of continuity with your own midwife while remaining under the care of your chosen maternity service.
Whether you're looking for ongoing pregnancy care, extra support between hospital appointments or personalised postpartum care after your baby arrives, our clinics provide the time, continuity and one-on-one care every woman deserves.
READY TO BEGIN?
Starting midwifery care is a big step and it’s completely okay to have questions before you begin. Whether you're wondering how sessions work, what approach might be right for you, or just want to see if it feels like a good fit, we're here to support you in making an informed and comfortable decision.