Background

Midwife-led continuity models provide care from the same midwife or team of midwives during the pregnancy, birth and the early parenting period, and many women value this. These midwives also involve other care-providers if they are needed. Obstetrician-led or family doctor-led models are not usually able to provide the same midwife/wives throughout.  

Key findings 

- Women who received midwife-led continuity of care were less likely to have an epidural.

- Women’s chances of a spontaneous vaginal birth were also increased and there was no difference in the number of caesarean births. 

- Women were less likely to experience preterm birth, and they were also at a lower risk of losing their babies.