Interested in participating in the program? Register your interest. Questions? Please contact Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery for more information about the program.
+61 3 9244 5445
Receive pregnancy support from midwifery students
Contribute to the learning and development of a midwifery student while experiencing ongoing support during and after your pregnancy. Deakin’s continuity of care experience is offered in hospitals around Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool.
What is a continuity of care experience?
A continuity of care experience is a teaching and learning strategy in which a midwifery student partners with you throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth and after your baby is born. This can be very reassuring as the student can provide supportive care under the direct supervision of a midwife and/or medical practitioner.
You will also continue to receive your usual care from doctors and midwives while you participate in the experience.
How do I participate?
This experience is open to women who are less than 30 weeks pregnant. If you are interested in participating, please register your interest. We’ll ask you for the following details:
- your name
- your due date
- the hospital you are booked to give birth
- your preferred contact details (email/text/phone).
You’ll be matched with a student who will make contact with you. In your first meeting, you’ll need to sign a form giving your consent to participate in the program.
You may also be approached and invited by a midwifery student during one of your antenatal visits.
What if I decide that I no longer wish to participate?
If you wish to withdraw from the partnership, you can do so immediately and at any stage. Your decision will not impact upon the care being provided by your doctor, midwife and/or maternity service.
Our Deakin student was absolutely amazing from our first interaction at a prenatal appointment through to birth, and at my recent child and maternal health postnatal appointment. I could not have asked for a better support person!
How will my student support me?
Midwifery students are required to undertake these experiences as a formal requirement of midwifery education in Australia. Following a woman throughout her pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience gives the student the opportunity to experience continuity of care.
Overview of student involvement in your pregnancy care
Your midwifery student partner:
- is expected to observe and participate in supervised care throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth and for up to six weeks after the birth.
- will attend some of your antenatal visits with you. Attendance at visits will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon by you, the student and your care provider.
- will then attend your labour and birth and a minimum of two visits after you have your baby. These may occur in the hospital or maternal and child health centre setting. The professional relationship will conclude at the final visit.
I was seen by several doctors and midwives during antenatal appointments, so the only person who truly provided me with any 'continuity' and who accompanied me on this entire journey was our midwifery student. I found debriefing and discussing with her extremely helpful.
What are the benefits for me?
Regular contact with the midwifery student during your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born can be very reassuring as the student can provide supportive care under the direct supervision of a midwife and/or medical practitioner.
As with all health professionals within maternity settings, the student with whom you are in partnership is expected to provide all aspects of care with consideration, respect and confidentiality.
Contact us
Email the School of Nursing and Midwifery
