Gosford, NSW – From the start of the new financial year, Intuition Obstetrics will introduce a strengthened postnatal care model, including ten dedicated midwife home-visits for all new Intuition Obstetrics patients.
The enhanced package has been developed in response to changes in local maternity services, following the closure of the birthing unit at Gosford Private Hospital 12 months ago.
While Intuition patients continue to birth at Gosford Hospital as private patients, under the care of their chosen obstetrician, the clinic has recognised the need to expand structured postnatal support in the weeks immediately after birth.
Evidence shows that roughly 80 per cent of maternity care occurs in the outpatient setting during antenatal appointments, yet traditional obstetric models have often placed less structured focus on this period when women may really need extra support.
Under the new model, patients will receive approximately two home visits per week for the first six weeks after delivery, in addition to a weekly phone call from an Intuition midwife. These visits bridge the critical period between hospital discharge and the standard six-week obstetric review.
Dr Peta Skilbeck, Founder and Clinical Director of Intuition Private, said the initiative reflects the clinic’s ongoing commitment to innovating the private maternity model on the Central Coast.
“Continuity of care doesn’t end at birth,” Dr Skilbeck said. “We are committed to ensuring our patients feel supported, confident and well-cared for during those crucial early weeks of motherhood.”
The Intuition midwife home visits will focus on:
· Breastfeeding support and ensuring comfort and effective feeding
· Monitoring newborn weight gain and overall wellbeing
· Maternal recovery and physical healing
· Parental mental health and emotional adjustment
· Practical guidance to support confidence in early parenting
“These visits are about more than clinical checks,” Dr Skilbeck said. “They are about reassurance, education and making sure families know they are giving their babies the very best start in life.”
Dr Skilbeck also acknowledged the importance of supporting women not only during pregnancy but in the weeks after birth, when many face heightened emotional and physical challenges.
“We know that pregnancy and early parenthood can be an emotionally intense time,” Dr Skilbeck said.
“Up to one in five women in Australia experience significant anxiety or depression during pregnancy and/or after birth, and early support can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for both mother and baby.”
The new midwife home visits are designed to strengthen postnatal support, focusing not just on physical recovery, but nurturing confidence in breastfeeding, monitoring infant wellbeing, and actively identifying and addressing early signs of emotional distress.
Patients due to birth before the end of the current financial year may also access the home midwife visits as an optional add-on. Families who are interested in participating in the service are encouraged to contact the clinic to discuss availability and associated costs.
Intuition Private continues to position itself at the forefront of private maternity care on the Central Coast, reinforcing the value of partnering with a private obstetrician while adapting to evolving local hospital arrangements.
For further information, contact Intuition Private on 4321 0500 or visit intuitionprivate.com.au.
