The Tasmanian Government’s consultation process is designed to offer women more choice when it comes to birthing options. Photo: Yuliya Kokosha.
The Tasmanian Government is seeking feedback on a model for homebirth within the public health system.
In an effort to offer Tasmanian women more choice and increase the professional opportunities for midwives, the government will consult the public on the development of a public homebirth program.
The system will draw on the evidence base, best practices and experiences of other Australian jurisdictions where homebirth models have been implemented.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said homebirth was a safe childbirth model that centred on the mother and achieved positive outcomes for women and babies.
“We are committed to listening and responding to Tasmanians, and the release of this consultation paper today is an important step towards the development of a public homebirth model in Tasmania,’’ Ms Archer said.
“This is about helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face, with compassion and common sense.”
Ms Archer said the push for more options was about giving women a choice in how they gave birth.
“Importantly, introducing a public homebirth model in Tasmania will provide access to an alternative model of safe and woman-centred care that is personalised to the woman, is respectful and empowering,” she said.
“Introducing this model of care will also be beneficial for our highly valued midwives across Tasmania, by creating professional opportunities for them to work to their full scope of practice.”
The consultation paper also outlines proposed inclusion criteria for a public homebirth system, which will inform the models, principles and operational implementation and evaluation.
Development of a public homebirth model follows the Select Committee on Reproductive, Maternal and Paediatric Health Services receiving submissions calling for evidence-based, respectful and trauma-informed care.
The homebirth model will also integrate with existing maternity services across the state, including the Midwifery Group Practice Model.
Feedback is welcome via the Department of Health website, with formal consultations to continue until 19 October.
