Woman-centred Maternity Care

Woman-centred maternity care supports women to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to effectively manage and make informed decisions about their own health and maternity care. These skills will be valuable as she becomes a mother, enhancing her ability to make informed decisions regarding the health care of her child.

Crucially, woman-centred care ensures that women are always treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

At the health service level, the maternity care system is designed and developed by maternity consumers.  This short video clip explains and highlights the difference between person-centred and system-centred services.

At the individual level, maternity care is designed around the outcomes important to the pregnant woman. Care is coordinated and tailored to her needs and acknowledges the woman as the expert in her life.

Examples of woman-centred care

  • All my needs as an expectant mother are assessed.
  • My supports/family have their needs recognised and are given help to support for me.
  • I am supported to understand my choices and respected to make informed decisions in light of my goals and priorities.
  • My maternity care helps me to be healthy and transition to mothering to the best of my ability.

References:

Person-centred care made simple.pdf

Narrative-for-person-centred-coordinated-care.pdf