‘It’s much easier to get help for the baby’: Women, postpartum health and maternal and child health care groups

Abstract

There is a substantial amount of investigation of women’s experience of giving birth in Australia, and a developing understanding of women’s experiences of their own health in the postpartum period and use of health services. This article reports on a preliminary study investigating women’s post-birth health experiences. The study involved focus groups with thirty-two women involved in maternal and child health care groups. We found that all women reported minor health complications, but these were often not addressed due to the pressures of new motherhood. Women indicated that maternal and child health nurses and other women were important sources of information and assistance in the management of these health problems.

Key Words:

• women’s health
• sociology
• birth
• postpartum
• maternal and child health care