About the program
The CMP is a unique service available to Perth women experiencing a low risk pregnancy. We pride ourselves in protecting, promoting and supporting normal birth with a high percentage of our clients choosing to give birth in water. The CMP provides safe, evidence-based, continuity of care from a known midwife throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and up to four weeks postnatally. The CMP can support you to have your baby at home, at the Family Birth Centre or Kalamunda Birth Unit, or in a public hospital.
The CMP is a publicly funded service, governed by WA Health and delivered in partnership with Community Midwifery WA (CMWA). The CMP follows evidence based policies and guidelines to ensure safe outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Am I eligible for a place on the CMP?
- What are the geographical boundaries?
- Where can I have my birth?
- How do I apply for a place on the CMP?
- When should I apply?
- What is the cost?
- When will I meet my midwife?
- How frequent are my antenatal appointments?
- Do you offer any antenatal classes?
- Do you offer any postnatal support groups or classes?
Am I eligible for a place on the CMP?
Home birthing on the CMP is not available if you:
- live outside the geographical boundaries (see below)
- are aged less than 18 years
- have a history of a previous caesarean section delivery
- have a baby with a breech presentation at term (37 weeks)
- are pregnant with twins
- have a significant pre-existing medical and/or obstetric history which would deem home birth an unsafe option, such as diabetes, hypertension, heavy bleeding after a previous birth
- have had a child with significant neonatal problems
- have any condition affecting either mother or baby that develops during pregnancy and increases the level of risk whereby home birthing is no longer considered to be a safe option
- apply to the CMP later than 35 weeks gestation
- have a body mass Index > 40 (BMI) at booking
- do not have a Medicare card
You will be required to sign an agreement to this model of care confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria for a home birth.
What are the geographical boundaries?
50kms North and 50kms South of the CBD and 40kms East. The north, south and eastern boundary is determined in the north by the Great Northern Highway and in the south by the South Western Highway.
Where can I have my birth?
There are three options for where to have your birth - home birth, Kalamunda Birthing Rooms and domino birth in a hospital. For more information about each option, see their FAQs:
How do I apply for a place on the CMP?
See "Apply for a place on the Community Midwifery Program".
When should I apply?
The CMP is a first come, first served program, so women who submit their applications in the early stages of their pregnancy are more likely to be successful in being offered a place. You can still apply to the CMP in the later stages of your pregnancy, providing this is prior to your 35th week of pregnancy, as places may become available.
What is the cost?
This service is publicly funded, so if you have a valid Medicare card you will incur no costs.
When will I meet my midwife?
Once you have been accepted onto the program and have been allocated a midwife, they will make contact with you within two weeks to arrange a first appointment in your home at a time that is convenient for you both. This initial appointment may take up to two hours. Your midwife will take a complete history from you and after reviewing this, will determine if home is a safe option for you. If you have a history that excludes you from care with the CMP, your midwife will help you decide on the best option and refer you on.
How frequent are my antenatal appointments?
Antenatal appointments are scheduled as follows:
| 16 weeks | Booking appointment in your home |
| 20 weeks | Ultrasound |
| 24 & 28 weeks | Clinic appointment |
| 31 & 33 weeks | Seen by midwife in clinic or back-up hospital |
| 35/36 weeks | Home appointment |
| 37, 38 & 39 weeks | Clinic or home appointments |
| 40 weeks | Home appointment |
| 41 weeks | Home appointment |
Appointment times are within usual business hours, Monday to Friday. It may be necessary to arrange time off work for these appointments. Sometimes your midwife may need to cancel your appointment at short notice due to someone else being in labour.
Do you offer any antenatal classes?
Yes. All antenatal classes are offered through Community Midwifery WA. See the CMWA Workshops page for more details.
Do you offer any postnatal support groups or classes?
We hold Mums and Bubs Groups monthly at all three centres, CMWA also provide Mother Nurture groups. Classes offered by independent facilitators, e.g. baby massage, will incur a fee. Breastfeeding support from our Lactation Consultant is also available, and is free of charge to CMP clients.