|
What are the benefits?
 | An increase in the normal birth rate
|
| A reduction in the caesarean birth rate
|
| An increase in breastfeeding rates
|
| A reduction in the cost of maternity
services
|
| A reduced incidence of postnatal depression
|
| An increase in the recruitment and
retention rates of midwives*
|
| Public Health Benefits |
* Ball et al (2002) found that 2/3rds of (non practising) midwives would
return to the profession if the conditions were right.
Will it work?
|
This model was introduced throughout New
Zealand in the early 1990s and is the basis of all maternity care in N.Z.
|
|
Since this model was introduced, over half of
all N.Z. women choose a midwife practising independently as their lead
maternity professional for their pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period
|
|
A further 21% choose an employed midwife who
holds her own caseload.
|
I.M.A. (2003), MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 3:2 2003
p222
|
