Exploring Birthing Options in Perth: A Doula's Guide to South and North of the River

Choosing Where and How to Give Birth in Perth: A Doula’s Guide

Choosing where and how to give birth is one of the most important decisions an expectant parent can make. As a Perth doula who has supported many families through their birth journeys, I understand how overwhelming the options can feel.

Perth offers a wide variety of birthing options, each with its own benefits and considerations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main options both south and north of the river, sharing insights from a doula’s perspective to help you feel confident, informed, and supported through every step of your journey.

Birthing Options South of the River

South of the Swan River, families can choose between public and private hospital births, Midwifery Group Practices (MGP), private midwives, and birthing centres. Each pathway supports different birth preferences and comfort levels.

Hospital Births (Public & Private)

Many families choose hospital births for comprehensive medical support and emergency care. South of the river, key hospitals include:

Public Hospitals

• Fiona Stanley Hospital – specialist obstetric care, epidurals, and NICU support.

• Murdoch Community Birth Centre – midwifery-led, home‑like environment close to Fiona Stanley.

Private Hospitals

• St John of God Murdoch – personalised care within a private maternity setting.

• St John of God Subiaco – boutique maternity suites with private obstetric and midwifery care.

South‑side hospital services offer:

• Access to obstetricians and specialist care

• Pain relief options, including epidurals

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) when needed

From my experience as a doula, hospital births can be deeply supportive when families have a clear birth plan and a doula or midwife to advocate for their wishes. While hospital settings may feel clinical, knowing a skilled team is ready for any situation brings peace of mind.

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

Midwifery Group Practices (MGPs) are ideal for families wanting continuity of care with a known midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. South of the river, many hospitals offer MGP programs where you will see the same midwife or small team.

Benefits include:

• Personalised care tailored to your needs

• A strong relationship with your midwife

• Support for natural birth and minimal intervention

Time and again, I see mums thrive with MGP because the trust built with their midwife reduces anxiety and supports more confident births — especially when paired with doula support. - Fiona Stanley Hospital (South of the River)

Private Midwives

Hiring a private midwife offers a personalised, flexible approach. Perfect for families wanting choice in birth location and style. Private midwives can support births at:

• Home

• Birthing centres

• Hospitals (public or private)

Advantages include:

• One‑on‑one care focused entirely on you

• Flexibility in birth location and style

• More time for education and preparation

Private midwives south of the river often work closely with doulas, offering holistic support from pregnancy through postpartum — creating a calm and supported birth experience.

Birthing Centres

Birthing centres provide a home‑like environment with midwifery‑led care and minimal medical intervention. South of the river, the Murdoch Community Birth Centre is a beloved choice for families seeking a natural, supported birth journey without the hospital atmosphere.

Features include:

• Comfortable rooms designed for relaxation

• Birthing pools and other comfort measures

• Skilled midwives supporting physiological birth

From my doula’s perspective, birthing centres are ideal for families seeking natural birth with professional support close at hand.

Birthing Options North of the River

North of the river, families have similar pathways — with both public and private options available.

Hospital Births (Public & Private)

North‑side hospitals offering maternity care include:

Public Hospitals

• King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) – Perth’s main public maternity hospital with full obstetric and neonatal care.

• Joondalup Health Campus – public obstetric services with supportive maternity care.

• North Metropolitan Health Service Community Birthing Centres – midwifery‑led, home‑like environments.

Private Hospitals

• St John of God Midland – private maternity care with personalised support.

• Joondalup Health Campus Private Maternity (where available) – private birth suites and obstetric care.

Public and private hospitals north of the river offer:

• Specialist obstetric care

• Pain relief options

• Neonatal care if required

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

KEMH’s MGP program is highly regarded for families seeking continuity with a known midwife within a hospital setting. Benefits include:

• A consistent caregiver throughout pregnancy and birth

• Support for natural birth and minimal intervention

• Strong focus on education and preparation

Many families north of the river find this option reassuring and empowering — especially when doula support is included.

Private Midwives

Private midwives north of the river provide tailored care plans and can assist with:

• Home births

• Birthing centre support

• Hospital births (working alongside your chosen care team)

Advantages include:

• Individualised birth plans

• Flexibility in location and style

• More time for education and emotional support

  
  

Birthing Centres

Community birthing centres north of the river offer a relaxed, midwifery‑led environment with access to comfort measures and physiological birth support. These centres combine safety with comfort and are wonderful when paired with continuous doula support.

• KEMH Family Birth Centre.

• Bentley Birth Centre

How a Doula Can Support Your Choice

No matter the birthing path you choose, having a doula by your side can truly transform your experience. I provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum.

Benefits of doula support include:

• Helping you understand your birthing options clearly

• Advocating for your preferences during birth

• Offering comfort techniques like massage and breathing guidance

• Supporting your partner and family

Choosing where and how to give birth is deeply personal. I encourage families to visit facilities, ask questions, and trust their instincts when building their birth team.

Final Thoughts on Birthing in Perth

Perth offers a rich variety of birthing options both south and north of the river, including public hospitals like Fiona Stanley, KEMH, Joondalup Health Campus, private hospitals like St John of God Subiaco, SJOG Murdoch, and SJOG Midland, MGPs, birthing centres, and private midwifery options.

Whatever your preference - from the comprehensive care of a hospital to the personalised support of a midwife and doula, or the comfort of a birthing centre, here is a choice that honours your values and meets your needs.

As a Perth doula, I’ve seen how knowing your options and choosing continuous support can make your birth journey feel empowering, supported, and deeply meaningful. Reach out early to doulas, midwives, and maternity services to gather information and build your support team.