Public Maternity Care
Public maternity care is free with care provided by midwives or doctors depending on your individual risk, in both community and hospital settings
Public Maternity Care at a Glance
Request Public Maternity Care
You can book your maternity care as soon as you know you are pregnant. Booking can be completed online or by contacting the Central Booking Office by phone or email.
Contact
To book your first maternity appointment, ask questions about booking public maternity care, or get help with appointment details.
Central Booking Office
Phone
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8.30am–3.30pm
To ask about specialist clinics, check whether a particular medical condition is supported, or get advice on which clinic is right for your care.
Holles Outpatient Clinic
Phone
To ask about the Domino or Homebirth Service, including eligibility, shared care with your GP, or any questions about midwifery-led care through these services.
Domino Midwifery Team
Phone
Public Maternity Care Options
Public maternity care includes different clinic and care pathways.
Hospital-based Maternity Care
Care provided through clinics at the Holles Outpatient Clinic at The National Maternity Hospital.
Midwifery Led Clinic
For normal-risk pregnancies on the Supported Care Pathway.
- Care led by a midwife
- Antenatal appointments shared between your GP and hospital midwife
- You will usually see the same midwife throughout your visits
Consultant Led Clinic
For medium-risk pregnancies on the Assisted Care Pathway, or women who prefer consultant-led care.
- A Consultant Obstetrician has overall responsibility for your care
- You may be seen by registrars or senior doctors at some visits
- Clinics run Monday–Thursday at the Holles Outpatient Clinic
Specialist Clinics
For high-risk pregnancies on the Specialised Care Pathway.
- Care provided through consultant-led specialist clinics
- Support for women with complex medical conditions or additional care needs
- Antenatal appointments shared between your GP and the specialist clinic
- Your care is planned by a multidisciplinary team, which may include consultant obstetricians, specialist midwives and other medical specialists
- You will have an individualised care plan based on your health needs
- Some women may be advised to attend their first appointment earlier than 12 weeks
Community-based Maternity Care
Antenatal care provided closer to home through community clinics.
Midwifery Led Satellite Clinics
For normal-risk pregnancies on the Supported Care Pathway.
- Care provided by midwives at all visits
- Antenatal appointments shared between your GP and the Community Midwifery Team
- Consultant review arranged if needed
Consultant Led Satellite Clinic
For medium-risk pregnancies on the Assisted Care Pathway.
- Care provided by midwives, with regular consultant attendance
- Consultant Obstetrician reviews your care when medical input is required
Domino and Homebirth Service
A midwifery-led service for normal-risk women on the Supported Care Pathway, delivered by the Domino Midwifery Team.
The Domino Service
A hospital birth with early discharge home.
- Continuity of care from the Domino Midwifery Team
- Birth takes place in The National Maternity Hospital
- Discharge approximately 6 hours after birth if you and baby are well
- Postnatal care provided at home for 7–10 days
- Midwives available 24/7 via bleep system
The Homebirth Service
A planned home birth with midwifery support.
- Birth takes place at home with two midwives present
- Includes an antenatal home visit to discuss suitability and consent
- Hospital transfer supported if required
- Continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and postnatal period
- Postnatal care provided at home for 7–10 days