Overseas visitors to our website with questions regarding the cost of maternity care, can access information and the document “Guide to Eligibility for Publicly-Funded Maternity Services in New Zealand” from the New Zealand Ministry of Health website.
What is an LMC?
A Lead Maternity Carer is the health professional who takes primary responsibility for providing you with maternity care during your pregnancy, birth and 4 – 6 weeks postnatally.
My GP does not provide maternity care. Can you refer me to one that does?
The majority of GPs who were providing maternity care have exited the service since changes to maternity care came into force in July 1996. For women in many areas of New Zealand midwives are now the sole providers of primary maternity care. For a list of LMCs in your area contact the Ministry of Health 0800 MUM 2BE number – 0800 686 223.
How much does maternity care cost?
Maternity care is available free of charge to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and people with a
If your GP says there will be a charge for the maternity care he/she provides ask them to refer you to one that does not charge, or contact the 0800 MUM 2BE number (0800 686 223) for a list of Lead Maternity Carers in your area.
What postnatal care am I entitled to?
Most hospitals now encourage women to leave
All women should receive a daily visit from their LMC while in hospital and a total of between 5 – 10 home visits by their midwife after they leave hospital, and more if clinically needed. Ask your midwife how many postnatal visits she usually makes. Your LMC should refer you to the Well Child provider of your choice who will visit once your LMC has discharged you from her care. This usually occurs between 4 – 6 weeks after the birth.
I am not happy about the maternity care I received from my caregiver. Who can I contact?
There are a number of ways of making your feelings known about the care you received. You can arrange a meeting with your midwife or your doctor and talk about
What languages can I order MSCC’s resources in?
All our resources are available as a hard copy in English.
Choices for Childbirth
is available in a variety of language including Te reo Māori and as a PDF in العربية (Arabic), Français (French) and 漢語 (Traditional Chinese).