About maternity caregivers

There are many caregivers in the maternity health care system, all playing unique roles in caring for women and their babies during pregnancy, labour and after the birth. Identifying and knowing the various healthcare providers, how they work together, their hierarchy and in what capacity they may become involved in your care are not always clear. Many women and their partners are not even aware of the availability of some caregivers or how their practise can vary depending on where they work. To read an overview of the various caregivers you could meet along the way, you can click on the headings below. Be aware that the information is based on Australian health care providers, but will probably be similar to other countries.

Anaesthetist
Childbirth educator
Dietician
Doula
Early childhood nurse
Ethnic and cultural liaison officer
Fertility specialist
Genetic counsellor
Lactation consultant
Local doctor or (GP)
Midwife
Mothercraft nurse
Natural therapist
Neonatologist
Obstetrician and gynaecologist
Paediatrician
Physician
Physiotherapist
Psychiatrist
Social worker
Ultrasonographer
Women's health nurse 

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