Pregnancy care
The Mareeba Maternity Service offers Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) and 24 hour obstetric cover.
Mareeba Hospital Maternity Service
You can ask your doctor to refer you to the Mareeba Midwifery Group Practice when you confirm your pregnancy.
You can also book in yourself to the Mareeba Maternity Service by calling 07 4092 9367.
We recommend you book in as early as possible in your pregnancy.
Midwifery Group Practice
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) is where women are supported and cared for by the same midwife or midwives for their pregnancy, labour, birth and after the birth for about 6-8 weeks.
Your midwife will be your primary carer during your pregnancy. You'll have their mobile number and will be able to contact them at any time.
You'll meet other midwives during your pregnancy who will care for you if your midwife is away. If you can’t reach your midwife, please phone the maternity unit on 07 4092 9367. You can call 24 hours a day.
Shared care with the obstetrician team at Cairns Hospital
Most women have normal, uncomplicated pregnancies and births. But some women may need to see an obstetrician for some medical or pregnancy conditions.
An obstetrician who is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth.
If you do need to see an obstetrician, the Mareeba Hospital midwives will offer your antenatal and postnatal care in consultation with the Cairns Hospital obstetric team.
You may need to be referred to a specialist obstetrician if you have:
- a complicated medical history
- had a previous difficult pregnancy needing specialist care
- a pregnancy that isn't progressing normally
- a multiple pregnancy such as twins.
Childbirth education classes
We run childbirth education classes every second month. Contact the maternity unit for dates and times on 07 4092 9367.
Birthing options
Birth suite
We have 2 birth suites. We’ll help you feel as comfortable as possible. If everything is going as planned, you’ll be looked after by a midwife with doctors on call 24/7 if they’re needed.
Water immersion
You may be offered water immersion for labour and birth if appropriate.
Special care
If your baby is sick or premature you may need specialist care after birth. If this happens, your baby may need to be transferred and admitted to the Special Care Baby Nursery at Cairns Hospital or the Neonatal Unit at Townsville Hospital.
Giving birth
When you're in labour
When you think you are labour, contact your midwife. If you can’t contact your midwife, call the Mareeba Maternity Unit on 07 4092 9367 and they'll tell you what to do next.
If you have an emergency, go straight to Mareeba Hospital emergency or call triple zero (000).
After you have your baby
After discharge from hospital your midwife will arrange to visit you at home and provide care for 6-8 weeks. After that you will be referred back to your GP or local Child Health Nurse.
Child Health Clinics
You can call Mareeba Child Health Clinic on 07 4092 9100 to make an appointment.
Support services
Advice and support services you might need during pregnancy and caring for your baby.
Indigenous Liaison Officers
Mareeba Maternity Unit
Phone: 07 4092 9367
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers
Phone: 0438 937 589
Mums and Bubs
"Mmama" Mondays (first Monday of the Month)
Mareeba Maternity Unit
Phone: 07 4092 9367
Lactation consultant advice
Mareeba Maternity Unit
Lactation consultants available on request
Phone: 07 4092 9367
Mareeba Child Health Clinic
Mareeba Hospital
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 07 4092 9100