Loss of choice for reproductive and maternal services in Tassie, committee hears

The first day of public hearings of a Tasmanian reproductive, maternal and pediatric health services committee has found that a lack of resources and options is impacting mothers.

infant baby

Women and families are struggling to find the services they need for the birth of, or care for, their children throughout Tasmania, a parliamentary committee has heard.

The House of Assembly Select Committee on Reproductive, Maternal and Paediatric Health Services in Tasmania began the first of three days of public hearings on Monday, with evidence heard from industry professionals in Tasmanian healthcare, midwifery and pediatric health.

Anne Folkerts, a retired national board endorsed midwife and former registered nurse of 30 years, said current restrictions were limiting Tasmanian families’ ability to choose between home or hospital births.

“There is an increasing number of women wanting to pursue home births who are actively dissuaded or not educated on their options,” she said.

“As a privately practising midwife, I care for clients at all stages of their pregnancy and those who aren’t all low-risk, including caring for those who need a Caesarian or have gestational diabetes.

“Home birth is the only model of care providing six weeks of post-natal care at home and for the increasing number of women experiencing birth trauma, this could be the best solution for them.”

COST OF HAVING A BABY – Baby being born via Caesarean Section

Australian Breastfeeding Association Tasmanian assistant branch president and breastfeeding counsellor and educator Charlotte Fielding said mothers also struggled to receive education and guidance on breastfeeding, telling committee chair Ella Haddad MP that it further adds stress to mothers and families post-natally.

“Improving health professional’s education on best breastfeeding practices and ensuring they have the most up-to-date advice will improve mother’s outcomes monumentally,” she said.

“We have received government funding for a full-time breastfeeding educator in Tasmania for two years, who is helping to set up more peer support groups and workshops, but we need more funding for longer to improve mothers’ outcomes.”

Incoming Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma asked representatives from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre how the state government could best increase post-discharge support and parenting classes.

“The mums and bubs classes are working well at the child and family centres and it would be great to see those extended,” COO and Director of Connected Beginnings Program Raylene Foster said.

“A lot of the proposed changes we make in our submission are about a realigning of funding, not about finding more money although it would be welcomed.”

Hearings will continue on Wednesday.

Originally published as Loss of choice for reproductive and maternal services in Tassie, committee hears