An important part of midwifery education is for students to understand what pregnancy, birth and having a baby means to a woman and her family. One way this is learnt is by forming a relationship with a pregnant woman and following her through her pregnancy journey, witnessing the birth of her baby and visiting her in the days following the birth. This is known as a Continuity of Care Experience or "CoCE".

Midwifery students are required to undertake these experiences as a formal requirement of midwifery education in Australia. Following a woman throughout her pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience gives the student the opportunity to experience continuity of care. The CoCE program provides students with opportunities to experience a range of different models of care; they experience different perspectives and ways of thinking which is important in developing their own way of practice. Students learn from talking and listening to women, by observing the relationship between the woman and her care-provider and in developing a range of skills including developing professional relationships, time management, documentation, and clinical midwifery skills. Regular contact with the student during your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born can be very reassuring as the student can provide supportive care under the direct supervision of a midwife and/or medical practitioner.

The student midwife will be required to:
     • Attend a minimum of 4 antenatal visits.
     • Provide support to you during labor and birth (if you are comfortable with this).
     • Attend a minimum of 2 postnatal visits.
Once completed, the professional relationship with the student will conclude.

Please complete the requested information in the Expression of Interest form below. You will then be linked with a midwifery student from the nominated university. Please allow approximately 7-10 days to hear from the student allocated to you. It is important to know that you can withdraw from the program at any time.

Once you meet up with the midwifery student and are comfortable moving forward with the CoCE, we ask that you sign a consent form which is kept securely in the student’s file on campus. The student documents the partnership like a case study, but your name, the names of your health care providers or the place of birth will not be used in order to protect your privacy. The midwifery student is bound by University policy, Midwifery Code of Practice, Code of Ethics and Midwife Standards of Practice in order to maintain professional standards at all times throughout the CoCE.

If you choose to participate in this partnership, you will continue to receive your usual care from your midwives, doctors or any other care providers. The student will be an extra person that will support you throughout your journey. The student may assist the midwives and other staff with your care but this is completely up to you and what you are comfortable with.

Should you agree to participate in this experience, you will be asked to consider offering the student opportunities to accompany you through such experiences as antenatal clinic visits, childbirth education sessions, routine screening and postnatal visits. Where time and circumstances permit, and with your consent, the student may also be with you during your labour and the birth of your baby.