Continuity of Care : The Missing Link

One of the strongest predictors of a positive maternity experience is continuity of midwifery care - being supported by a known practitioner who understands your history, values, and individual needs, and who has walked alongside you through pregnancy.

Research consistently shows that continuity of care is associated with higher satisfaction, improved communication, increased trust, and better outcomes for mothers and babies (Homer et al., 2019). The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) recognises midwifery continuity of care as an evidence-based gold standard model of maternity care. Through its Continuity of Care Handbook, the ACM advocates for models that support consistent, relational care across pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. ACM highlights that continuity of care strengthens safety, shared decision-making, and emotional wellbeing for families during this significant life transition (Australian College of Midwives, 2019).

Despite this, continuity of care often ends at birth. In the early postnatal period, families may encounter multiple professionals—hospital midwives, lactation consultants, maternal and child health nurses, and specialists. While each plays an important role, fragmented care and limited communication can leave parents repeating their story or navigating conflicting advice. When parents are healing, sleep-deprived, and adjusting to life with a newborn, this lack of cohesion can feel overwhelming.

Continuity of care becomes even more valuable after birth. The relationship built during pregnancy creates a foundation of trust that supports families through physical recovery, emotional adjustment, and early parenting challenges. When a practitioner already understands a family’s preferences, feeding intentions, any previous trauma, care can be more personalised, responsive, and emotionally safe.

Evidence suggests this relational continuity reduces anxiety, supports confidence, and improves emotional wellbeing in the postnatal period (Forster et al., 2016; Fenwick et al., 2018).When challenges arise—whether feeding difficulties, sleep concerns, or  emotional vulnerability—continuity means families are supported by someone familiar, rather than having to rebuild trust at a sensitive time. In this way, continuity of care bridges the gap between information and understanding, helping families feel held, heard, and supported as they find their feet after birth.

References

• Australian College of Midwives. (2019). Midwifery continuity of care handbook.

• Sandall et al. (2016). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

• Homer et al. (2019). Women and Birth.

• Forster et al. (2016). BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

• Fenwick et al. (2018). Midwifery.

Midwife Michelle walking with you in the Fourth Trimester.

Beautiful imagery by J.L. Watson Photography