Are the birth outcomes from a midwifery antenatal and postnatal service (MAPS) comparable to midwifery group caseload practice: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Midwifery continuity of care has demonstrated improved outcomes for mothers and babies including higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth and more positive birth experiences, with health services cost savings, than non-continuity of care. However, midwives report challenges with continuity of care, such as on-call for labour/birth. Health services have responded with a new model, Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPS), with care from a known midwife only during pregnancy and the early postnatal period. Women in the MAPS model have intrapartum care by rostered birth suite midwives (potentially unknown to the woman) whereas Midwifery Group Practice have a known midwife. Aim: To dete..