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

Choosing where and how to give birth is one of the most important decisions expectant mums face. As a doula who has supported many families through their birthing journeys in Perth, I understand how overwhelming the options can be. Perth offers a variety of birthing choices, each with its own benefits and considerations. In this post, I’ll walk you through the main birthing options available both south and north of the river, sharing insights from a doula’s perspective to help you feel confident and informed.

Birthing Options South of the River

South of the Swan River, Perth offers a mix of hospital births, midwifery group practices (MGP), private midwives, and birthing centres. Each option caters to different preferences and needs.

Hospital Births

Many mums choose hospital births for the access to medical support and emergency care. South of the river, hospitals like Fiona Stanley Hospital and St John of God Murdoch provide comprehensive maternity services. These hospitals offer:

• Access to obstetricians and specialist care

• Pain relief options including epidurals

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) if needed

  
  

From my experience as a doula, hospital births can be very supportive when mums have a clear birth plan and a doula or midwife to advocate for their wishes. The environment can feel clinical, but knowing the team is ready for any situation brings peace of mind.

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

MGPs are a popular choice for mums wanting continuity of care from a known midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period. South of the river, several hospitals offer MGP programs where you see the same midwife or small team.

Benefits include:

• Personalised care tailored to your needs

• Strong relationship with your midwife

• Support for natural birth and minimal intervention

  
  

As a doula, I often see mums thrive with MGP because the trust built with their midwife reduces anxiety and improves birth outcomes. It’s a great middle ground between hospital and home-like settings.

Private Midwives

Hiring a private midwife is another option for those wanting a more personalised and flexible approach. Private midwives can support births at home, in birthing centres, or even in hospital settings.

Advantages include:

• One-on-one care focused entirely on you

• Flexibility in birth location and style

• Often more time spent on education and birth preparation

  
  

Private midwives south of the river are experienced and often work closely with doulas to provide holistic support. This option suits mums who want a calm, intimate birth experience with professional guidance.

Birthing Centres

Birthing centres offer a home-like environment with midwifery-led care and minimal medical intervention. South of the river, options like the Murdoch Community Birth Centre provide a warm, supportive space for natural births.

Features include:

• Comfortable rooms designed for relaxation

• Access to birthing pools and other comfort measures

• Midwives skilled in supporting physiological birth

  
  

From my doula perspective, birthing centres are ideal for mums wanting a natural birth but with professional support nearby if needed. The atmosphere encourages calm and confidence.

Birthing Options North of the River

North of the river, the birthing landscape is similar but with some different facilities and programs available.

Hospital Births

King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is the main public maternity hospital north of the river. It offers a wide range of services including:

• Specialist obstetric care

• Pain relief options

• Neonatal care

  
  

KEMH also runs MGP programs, giving mums the choice of continuity of care within a hospital setting. As a doula, I’ve supported many families here and find the staff generally very supportive of birth plans when communicated clearly.

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)

KEMH’s MGP program is well-regarded and provides continuity with a known midwife. This program suits mums wanting hospital safety combined with personalised care.

Benefits include:

• Consistent caregiver throughout pregnancy and birth

• Support for natural birth and minimal intervention

• Strong focus on education and preparation

  
  

Many mums north of the river find this option reassuring and empowering, especially when combined with doula support.

Private Midwives

Private midwives north of the river offer similar services as those south, including home births and birthing centre support. They often collaborate with doulas to provide comprehensive care.

Advantages include:

• Tailored care plans

• Flexibility in birth location

• More time for education and emotional support

  
  

This option works well for mums wanting a personalised, calm birth experience with professional oversight.

Birthing Centres

The North Metropolitan Health Service supports community birthing centres that offer midwifery-led care in a relaxed setting. These centres focus on natural birth and comfort measures like birthing pools.

Features include:

• Home-like environment

• Skilled midwives supporting physiological birth

• Access to pain relief options if needed

  
  

From my experience, birthing centres north of the river provide a wonderful balance of comfort and safety, especially when paired with doula support.

How a Doula Can Support Your Choice

No matter which birthing option you choose, having a doula by your side can make a big difference. As a doula, 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

• Providing comfort techniques like massage and breathing guidance

• Supporting your partner and family

  
  

Choosing the right birthing option is deeply personal. I encourage mums to visit facilities, ask questions, and consider what feels safest and most comfortable for them.

Final Thoughts on Birthing in Perth

Perth offers a rich variety of birthing options both south and north of the river. Whether you prefer the comprehensive care of a hospital, the personalised support of an MGP, the flexibility of a private midwife, or the calm of a birthing centre, there is something to suit every mum’s needs.

As a doula, I’ve seen how knowing your options and having continuous support can transform the birth experience. Take the time to explore what feels right for you, and remember that your birth journey is unique. Reach out to doulas, midwives, and maternity services early to gather information and build your support team.