It can be tricky in regional Australia to sustain what's known as midwifery group programs (MGP), where women get to see one or two midwives their entire pregnancy, but one model in regional Victoria has proved it's more than possible.
Regarded by many as the "gold standard" in maternity services, MGPs are a continuity of care model and result in lower rates of intervention, lower risk of preterm birth and fetal loss, and higher rates of maternal satisfaction — and they cost hospitals less as well.
But a mix of barriers, including staffing, attitudes and resources mean establishing these programs in regional Australia can be hard.
