Cost is one of the most common reasons women delay getting breastfeeding support. It’s also one of the most misunderstood areas, because Medicare coverage for midwifery and lactation care is available, but the rules around it are specific.
Here’s a clear explanation of what’s covered, when, and why it matters.
The Short Answer
If you are within six weeks of giving birth and you see an endorsed midwife, Medicare rebates are available for eligible consultations. This includes postnatal home visits and some antenatal appointments.
Not all midwives are endorsed midwives, and not all lactation consultants are endorsed midwives, so the rebate is not automatically available with every provider.
What Is an Endorsed Midwife?
An endorsed midwife is a registered midwife who has met additional requirements set by AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, including advanced clinical training and prescribing qualifications. Endorsed midwives are listed separately on the AHPRA register and are authorised to access Medicare benefits under the MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) for eligible services.
I am an endorsed midwife. This means that when I see eligible postnatal clients within six weeks of birth, Medicare rebates apply to those consultations.
What Consultations Are Covered?
Medicare rebates for endorsed midwife care cover:
Postnatal care up to 6 weeks after birth. Home visits and consultations in the postnatal period , which includes lactation support, breastfeeding assessment, feeding education, and general postnatal midwifery care , are eligible for a Medicare rebate when provided by an endorsed midwife.
Some antenatal care. Antenatal consultations with an endorsed midwife may also attract a Medicare rebate depending on your circumstances. Contact me to discuss whether your situation is eligible.
The rebate reduces your out-of-pocket cost, but does not necessarily cover the full fee. The gap , the difference between my fee and the Medicare rebate , is your out-of-pocket cost. I can give you a clear breakdown of fees and expected rebates before you book.
What About Private Health Insurance?
Some private health insurance extras policies include coverage for midwifery or lactation services. This varies significantly between funds and policies. It is worth calling your fund to ask specifically about “endorsed midwife” or “IBCLC” coverage before assuming it applies.
If your fund does cover these services, the rebate from private health may stack on top of the Medicare rebate, reducing your out-of-pocket cost further.
What If I'm More Than 6 Weeks Postpartum?
For visits beyond six weeks postpartum, the Medicare rebate for endorsed midwife care does not apply. Private fees apply for these consultations. Contact me for current pricing.
The six-week threshold is worth knowing in advance , if you’re approaching that mark and have ongoing questions or concerns, book sooner rather than later to ensure your visits are within the rebate window.
Is an IBCLC the Same as an Endorsed Midwife?
Not necessarily. An IBCLC is a lactation-specific qualification , it does not, on its own, entitle a provider to access Medicare benefits. Some IBCLCs are also endorsed midwives or GPs; some are not.
I hold both qualifications, IBCLC and endorsed midwife, which means I can provide the clinical depth of an IBCLC lactation assessment alongside the Medicare-rebated care available through an endorsed midwife.