Local midwives Wendy Pickup and Rebecca Bedding are passionate about collaborative care, and for them, GPs play a vital role in the maternity journey.

As Clinical Midwife Consultants (CMC) and GP Liaison Officers of the Antenatal Shared Care (ANSC) program, they provide expertise and support to GPs providing antenatal care.

ANSC is a program designed to provide recognised GPs with the tools and support to deliver consistent and high-quality care for low-risk patients. It allows women to receive the majority of their pregnancy care with their own GP, ensuring continuity and comfort throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

ANSC providers in South Western Sydney also have access to a range of helpful resources, including the quarterly Baby Monitor newsletter, protocols, guidelines, patient and clinical resources, and interactive case studies.

Wendy and Rebecca coordinate the ANSC program, providing support to GPs through: 

• orientation and onboarding 
• clinical updates and resources 
• ongoing communication throughout pregnancy 
• providing professional development opportunities? 

“We guide GPs on what to do, when to do it, and how — from the first booking all the way to birth,” Rebecca said. “We’re there every step of the way.” 

But the ANSC program is about more than just paperwork. It also focuses on cultural safety and understanding the local community. 

“South Western Sydney is an incredibly diverse area, and we care for women of all cultural backgrounds and religions,” Wendy said. “GPs often know their communities best, and we build on this knowledge to deliver the best care.” 

Midwives connect with GPs around 36 weeks to make sure everything is on track for the patient, helping ensure a smooth handover before birth. 

“This collaboration helps create better outcomes and a better experience for women, both during and after their pregnancy,” Rebecca said. 

Want to get involved in ANSC? 
Email swslhd-cmcgpsc@health.nsw.gov.au to learn more about shared care pathways in your region. 

Visit our website to find out more about antenatal shared care