Midwife vs Obstetrician. How to choose your pregnancy care

HOW DO I CHOOSE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND AN OBSTETRICIAN?

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, one of the first big questions you might ask is, should I see a midwife or an obstetrician?

For some women, the choice feels simple. For others, it can feel confusing or even overwhelming, especially with so many different care options available in New Zealand and Australia.

Here’s what’s important to remember, mama: this decision is completely yours. There’s no “right” or “wrong” choice, only what’s right for you, your body, and your baby.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND AN OBSTETRICIAN?

In both New Zealand and Australia, pregnant women can choose who provides their maternity care, though the systems work a little differently.

In New Zealand, most women choose a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC), typically a midwife, obstetrician, or GP trained in obstetrics. Your LMC supports you throughout pregnancy, birth, and for about six weeks postpartum.

In Australia, care options usually depend on whether you’re using the public or private system:

+ In the public system, you’ll often be assigned a midwife (sometimes alongside hospital doctors).
+ In the private system, you can choose your own obstetrician, who will manage your care throughout pregnancy and be present at your birth.

No matter where you are, both pathways aim to keep you and your baby safe, supported, and informed.

WHAT DOES A MIDWIFE DO DURING PREGNANCY?

A midwife is a registered health professional who specialises in supporting women with healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies. 

Their approach is typically holistic, focused on education, emotional support, and helping you make informed choices.

Midwives can:

+ Provide regular pregnancy check-ups and organise scans
+ Monitor your baby’s growth and heartbeat
+ Support you during labour and birth (in hospital, birthing centre, or home)
+ Guide you through breastfeeding and early parenting
+ Visit you postpartum (typically up to 6 weeks)

In both countries, midwifery care under the public system is free for eligible citizens and residents. Some women also choose private midwives for continuity of care, which may incur fees.

Expert Tip: Midwives often book out quickly, try to connect with one early in pregnancy to secure your preferred caregiver.

WHAT DOES AN OBSTETRICIAN DO?

An obstetrician is a specialist doctor trained to manage complex or high-risk pregnancies. They can perform caesarean sections, use birth tools (like forceps or vacuums), and manage complications if they arise during pregnancy or delivery.

Women often choose an obstetrician if:

+ They have a history of pregnancy complications
+ They’re considered higher risk (e.g. multiples, medical conditions, 40+)
+ They prefer private care or want to give birth in a private hospital

Cost overview:

+ New Zealand: Private obstetric care is around NZ $3,000–$6,000.
+ Australia: Private obstetricians may charge AU $3,000–$8,000+, depending on their practice and hospital fees.
+ Public hospital care with midwives and on-call obstetricians is free in both countries.

Expert Tip: Some women like the reassurance of specialist medical oversight, while others prefer the relational, continuity-based model of midwife care. There’s no wrong choice, just what feels right for you.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN CHOOSING MY LEAD MATERNITY CARER (LMC)?

If you’re still deciding, here are some great questions to ask during your first appointment or phone consult:

1. Will you be my main carer throughout pregnancy and birth?

2. What happens if you’re unavailable when I go into labour?

3. How often will I see you for checkups and scans?

4. What’s your philosophy or approach to birth?

5. Do you offer postpartum care and home visits?

6. What costs should I expect (and what’s covered publicly or by insurance)?

7. Can my partner be present during appointments and delivery?

WHAT ABOUT DOULAS, ARE THEY COMMON?

Yes — doulas are becoming increasingly popular. A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional and physical support before, during, and after birth. They don’t replace medical care but instead work alongside your midwife or obstetrician to offer reassurance, comfort, and advocacy.

A doula can help with:

+ Preparing your birth plan
+ Supporting you through labour
+ Offering practical postpartum help
+ Providing emotional support for both you and your partner

Many women find a doula’s presence incredibly grounding, particularly if they’re seeking a calm, empowered birth experience.

WHAT KIND OF POSTPARTUM CARE CAN I EXPECT?

After your baby arrives, your LMC or maternity care team will continue to support you and your baby’s wellbeing for several weeks — through home visits, check-ins, and guidance on feeding, recovery, and emotional adjustment.

This period is all about healing, bonding, and gentle self-care. It’s a time to slow down, nurture your body, and find small daily rituals that make you feel restored.

Many new mothers find comfort in using purpose-led postpartum essentials designed specifically for this stage, like:

+ Pure Mama Peri Wash Bottle – a must-have for postpartum recovery. This simple yet transformative tool uses a gentle stream of water to cleanse and soothe your perineal area after birth, helping to ease discomfort and support healing after both vaginal and caesarean deliveries.
+ Pure Mama Post Birth Relief Spray – a calming botanical blend formulated to refresh, cool, and soothe tender skin in those early days.
+ Pure Mama Nipple Butter – ultra-hydrating, lanolin-free care to comfort and protect during breastfeeding.
+ Pure Mama Magnesium Body Rub – a luxurious, magnesium-rich balm to help relieve muscle tension, promote relaxation, and support better sleep.

Each product is naturally derived, safe for postpartum use, and developed with your recovery in mind, turning what can feel like survival mode into a moment of nurturing care.

Expert Tip: Keep your Peri Wash Bottle beside the toilet or in your hospital bag, it’s one of the simplest ways to stay comfortable and supported in those first few weeks after birth.

 

SO... MIDWIFE, OBSTETRICIAN, OR DOULA. WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every pregnancy - and every mama - is unique.
Your decision might come down to:

+ The type of care you value most (medical vs holistic)
+ Any health or pregnancy complications
+ Your budget and birth location
+ Your personal comfort level

If you’re still unsure, talk to your GP, local hospital, or other mums in your community. The most important thing? Feeling supported and confident in your care team.

Whether you choose a midwife, obstetrician, or both, your care should always feel nurturing, empowering, and centred on you. This journey is yours, mama. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and make the choices that feel right for your body and your baby.