MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH

Most women in Australia choose to give birth in a hospital, however an increasing number are choosing birth centres. Birth centres are usually run by midwives and are either independent centres or part of a hospital. Some women prefer home births, generally conducted by a registered midwife.

Antenatal care is offered by many public and private hospitals. There are also independent maternity services. Some women engage their own obstetrician or midwife, seek pregnancy care from their GP or visit a family clinic, specifically focused on maternal and child health. A GP can provide information about the various maternity services available.

Most children receive primary health care from a GP or at a family clinic, and major hospitals generally have a children's ward.

Routine childhood immunisations in Australia are: Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Meningococcal C and Pneumococcal.

GPs, family clinics, and most hospitals can provide immunisation.