Maternity Services - About Us

GP & Private Specialist Care

Your family doctor may undertake to care for you throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth, and after your baby is born. She/he may suggest that your midwifery care during labour and birth, and postnatally, be provided by a Community Midwife or by an independent midwife. It is important that you organise this antenatally.

If however, your doctor does not practice obstetrics, you may choose either a Community Midwife, an independent midwife, an obstetrician or another GP who does practice obstetrics.

If you require specialist obstetrician care at any stage, or the services of an anaesthetist during labour, or a paediatrician following the birth, your family doctor may hand your care to the Christchurch Women's Hospital Obstetric team for this care.

If you are cared for by the Christchurch Women's Obstetric Team, then all services are provided to you free of charge.

Alternatively your GP may refer you to a Private Specialist Obstetrician, Anaesthetist or Paediatrician. In most cases these Private Specialists will charge you a fee. This option should be discussed with you prior to your seeing a private specialist. Please ask if you are in any doubt.

Maternity Care provided by your family doctor is free to New Zealand citizens.

A Private Specialist Obstetrician, can provide continuing care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and the post parturn period. For midwifery care (generally required during your labour, birth and postnatal period) the Specialist Obstetrician may refer you to one of the Community Midwives or, to an independent midwife.

A private specialist may charge for her/his services. If you require private anaesthetist or paediatric services, a fee may also be charged.

Care provided by a midwife is free to New Zealand citizens.