newy.com.au – Maitland Hospital has launched a public home birthing pilot program, giving eligible women in Maitland and the Hunter Valley the option of a planned home birth supported through the hospital’s midwifery service.
The program was officially launched on Tuesday, 5 May, to coincide with International Day of the Midwife, which recognises the role midwives play in caring for women, babies and families. About 50 people attended the event, including Maitland Midwifery Group Practice midwives, pregnant women using the service and community advocates.
The pilot will operate within the existing Maitland Midwifery Group Practice model, offering planned home births for women who meet eligibility requirements. Ten women have already registered to take part, with the service expected to support up to 60 women a year.
The program was developed with the Hunter New England Local Health District’s Women’s Health and Maternity Network and shaped through community consultation. The NSW Government says the model is designed to provide more choice while keeping care within a public health framework.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the launch recognised the work of midwives and expanded options for local families.
“This program will provide women in Maitland and the Hunter Valley region with more choice about where and how they give birth, while ensuring they continue to feel safe, respected and supported during pregnancy and birth,” he said.
Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley said the pilot reflected the needs of a growing region.
“Every family in the Hunter deserves to start their journey with the right support around them. This pilot is about building a maternity service that reflects what local women are actually asking for,” she said.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the service would strengthen continuity of care and give women greater control over their birth experience.
Hunter New England Local Health District executive director nursing and midwifery Elizabeth Grist OAM said the model would support women who felt most comfortable giving birth at home.
“For many women, home is where they feel most comfortable giving birth. This model ensures they can do so safely with the support of our highly skilled midwives and a strong public health framework,” she said.
Maitland Hospital midwife manager Ashley Booth said the team was preparing for the first births under the service.
“Our team of midwives are committed to providing safe, compassionate and evidence‑based care for women and their families. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first babies born at home through this service in the coming months,” she said.
Friends of Maitland Homebirth advocate Keira Spencer said the pilot had been developed in partnership with women, midwives and the community.
The Maitland pilot forms part of the NSW Government’s push to expand midwifery continuity of care models across the state, backed by a $44.8 million maternity care investment in the 2025-26 NSW Budget, including funding for an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW.
