ROMA Hospital is introducing a new model of midwifery aimed at increasing local births.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg was in Roma yesterday to formally open the Maranoa Midwifery Group Practice.

The Practice will ensure a familiar group of midwives will look after mothers before, during and after the birth of their children.

Mr Springborg said pregnancy and child birth was an anxious time, especially for new mums.

"There is nothing more comforting than having someone you know looking after you during your pregnancy and birth," Mr Springborg said.

"This new services means Roma and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to access a known midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth and up to six weeks after the birth."

Maranoa Midwifery Group Practice nursing manager Anne Bousfield said research showed a trusting relationship with a midwife was a very important factor in an expectant mother's health.

"Not only is there less need for intervention or drugs in childbirth, the most important thing for a mother is the presence of another women who believes she can do it," Ms Bousfield said.

Ms Bousfield said there were 163 births in Roma Hospital in 2012 and they wanted to increase that number.
"We want women to vote with their feet and choose to birth locally with the support of family and friends," she said.