Planning a family or recently found out you are pregnant? Congratulations. 💛
Pregnancy is an exciting time — and it can also bring many questions, decisions and moments of uncertainty. At Eleanor Clinic, we are here to support you with personalised, evidence-based care throughout your pregnancy journey.
We provide Shared Antenatal Care (Shared Maternity Care) in Melbourne’s West for low-risk pregnancies, offering families the benefits of hospital maternity expertise together with the continuity, trust and personalised care of your own GP.
If you are unsure which pregnancy care option is right for you, our doctors are happy to help you understand the different models of care available, including:
- Shared Antenatal Care with your GP and hospital maternity team
- Hospital-based midwife care
- Private obstetrician-led care
The right choice depends on your health, your pregnancy, your preferences and what will help you feel most supported.
What is Shared Antenatal Care?
Shared Antenatal Care means your pregnancy care is shared between your chosen maternity hospital and your local GP
You receive the safety and expertise of a hospital maternity service, while also having the benefit of seeing a doctor who knows you, your health history and your family.
For many families, this creates the best of both worlds:
- hospital maternity expertise
- continuity with a trusted GP
- personalised appointments close to home
- ongoing healthcare support beyond pregnancy
Located in Melbourne’s West, Eleanor Clinic provides private antenatal care with longer consultations, continuity of care and a strong focus on preventative health.
We are also proud to be an inclusive clinic with experience supporting diverse families, including same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families through conception, pregnancy and early parenting.
Accredited Shared Care GPs at Eleanor Clinic
Our doctors have completed additional training and are accredited Shared Maternity Care providers with:
- The Royal Women’s Hospital
- Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Our Shared Care doctors:
- Dr Naima Rahman
- Dr Bea Sgro
- Dr Caroline Cousins
- Dr Antje Theilhaber
Each doctor provides compassionate, evidence-based pregnancy care and works collaboratively with hospital maternity teams to ensure you feel informed, supported and cared for throughout your pregnancy.
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Why choose Shared Antenatal Care at Eleanor Clinic?
🌿 Pregnancy care close to home in Melbourne’s West
Shared Maternity Care allows you to access many pregnancy appointments within your local community rather than travelling to hospital for every visit.
For families in Melbourne’s West, this can mean:
- appointments closer to home or work
- easier access and less travel time
- continuity with a familiar healthcare team
- support from a local network of trusted allied health professionals
At Eleanor Clinic, we can also help connect you with local pregnancy and postnatal supports including:
- pelvic floor physiotherapy
- perinatal mental health support
- lactation consultants
- other allied health professionals when needed
Longer appointments and personalised pregnancy care
Pregnancy is a significant life transition, and we believe there should be time for questions and conversations.
At Eleanor Clinic, our antenatal appointments focus on understanding your individual needs, including:
- your health history
- your pregnancy goals
- your concerns and questions
- your emotional wellbeing
- your birth preferences
With pathology services available onsite, many patients appreciate the convenience of being able to complete pregnancy blood tests during their appointment.
Continuity with a doctor who knows you
One of the biggest benefits of Shared Antenatal Care is the relationship you build with your GP.
Your doctor gets to know:
- your medical history
- your preferences and values
- your family circumstances
- your goals for pregnancy and birth
After your baby arrives, you can continue seeing your GP for:
- postnatal care
- breastfeeding support
- contraception advice
- your own ongoing health needs
- your family’s healthcare journey
Inclusive and individualised pregnancy care
Every family’s journey to pregnancy is different.
At Eleanor Clinic, we welcome families from all backgrounds and provide respectful, inclusive care that recognises individual circumstances, cultures, relationships and personal preferences.
We support patients from all pathways to parenthood, including those planning pregnancy, undergoing fertility treatment, same-sex couples and families needing additional support along the way.
Pre-Pregnancy Health Checks in Melbourne’s West
Preparing your health before pregnancy
The ideal time to optimise your health for pregnancy is before you start trying.
A pre-conception appointment at Eleanor Clinic can help you prepare by discussing:
- preparing your body for pregnancy
- nutrition, lifestyle and supplements
- folic acid and pregnancy vitamins
- vaccinations
- medication safety before and during pregnancy
- managing existing health conditions
- mental health and emotional wellbeing
- fertility planning and timing
If you have ongoing health conditions, take regular medications or have experienced mental health challenges, planning ahead can provide valuable support.
Small changes before pregnancy can make a meaningful difference for your health and your future baby’s health.
Your Pregnancy Care Options in Melbourne
Families in Melbourne are fortunate to have access to a range of maternity care options across both public and private systems.
Choosing the right pregnancy care model can feel overwhelming — our doctors are happy to discuss your options and help you decide what best fits your needs.
Whether you are:
- planning a pregnancy
- looking for a pre-conception check
- newly pregnant
- searching for Shared Antenatal Care in Melbourne’s West
the team at Eleanor Clinic is here to support you.
Public vs Private Pregnancy Care in Melbourne
Melbourne offers excellent public and private maternity care options.
At Eleanor Clinic, we help you understand:
- Shared antenatal care
- Public hospital care, midwife care
- Private obstetric care
We’ll guide you in choosing the option that best suits your needs, preferences, and circumstances
Book Your Pre-Pregnancy or Antenatal Appointment at Eleanor Clinic
Start your pregnancy journey with a GP who knows you, listens to you and supports your growing family.
Personalised antenatal care for families in Melbourne’s West
Eleanor Clinic — thoughtful, connected healthcare for every stage of life.
