Mary Sidebotham

Objective: To explore the motivation and ability of midwives in Victoria to contribute to maternity service reform recommendations, specifically expansion and promotion of midwifery continuity of care models. Background: Since the inception of the National Maternity Services Plan in Australia in 2010, midwifery continuity of care has been a key priority area for maternity service reform.

Pregnant women rightly expect that when they’re in labour, medical staff will observe them and their baby closely, and can deal with any potential problems quickly. The majority of women who give birth in Australia are monitored with a cardiotocograph (CTG monitoring). But this isn’t the only way. Research shows women want to be included in making decisions about how to monitor the baby, but often are not.

Publication HistoryPublished online: July 15, 2018Accepted: July 13, 2018; Received in revised form: April 3, 2018; Received: September 18, 2017;