General News
11 May, 2025
Dedicated midwife program launched in Horsham
Wimmera mothers birthing at Grampians Health Horsham will soon have access to a dedicated midwife throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey, under a new maternity model of care.
Grampians Health is preparing to launch the Midwifery Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS), an innovative program offering three continuity of care options.
Each woman booking into Grampians Health Horsham will be allocated a specific midwife to support them through antenatal education, postnatal home visits, and care for up to 10 days after birth.
Horsham Maternity Services manager Jane Rentsch said the new program aimed to enhance local support for Wimmera families.
“The new Midwifery Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) is a continuity of care model that allocates a specific midwife for every woman booking into Grampians Health Horsham,” she said.
Expectant mums will be introduced to a midwife who will provide antenatal care and education, postnatal home support and care for up to 10 days post birth.
They will also meet other midwives who provide back-up support if your primary midwife is unavailable.
Under the MAPS model, they will still have some visits with the Obstetric team or a GP.
The MAPS model emphasises outpatient care during pregnancy and postpartum.
Birth and unplanned inpatient care will remain the responsibility of the maternity ward’s standard midwifery team.
Grampians Health chief nursing and midwifery officer Leanne Shea said the MAPS approach recognised childbirth as a normal life event and focused on quality outcomes.
“It promotes a service that provides quality maternal and neonatal outcomes based on best practice,” she said.
“Our aim is to guide and support women and their families in providing a positive and safe birthing environment.”
The Horsham maternity team includes experienced obstetricians, midwives, lactation consultants, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals to support mothers throughout their birthing journey.