Supporting New Mums in Victoria: A Step Towards Better Postnatal Care
Postnatal care is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of healthcare. For many mums, the weeks and months after birth can be a mix of exhaustion, recovery, and emotional highs and lows. However, the 2023 Victorian Women’s Health Survey and the Mums of the Hills 2024 survey have made it clear: many women are struggling to access the postnatal care they need due to cost, availability, and a lack of awareness.
The good news? Things are starting to change. With new investments in mobile health clinics and an expanded bulk-billing initiative, there are some positive steps being made towards making sure more mums get the support they deserve.
The Challenges Mums Face Post-Birth
The 2023 Victorian Women’s Health Survey found that half of all women reported lasting effects from pregnancy and birth complications. As explained in our blog on postpartum health (author Rebecca Lovett), up to one in three women in Australia experience birth trauma, which can have long-term psychosocial impacts and affect their emotional well-being. In some cases, it may also influence their decisions around future fertility.
The 2024 Mums of the Hills Community Survey highlighted key challenges that mums face when accessing postnatal care. These include:
Limited availability of healthcare services, particularly in regional areas.
Financial barriers, with many mums delaying or avoiding care due to cost.
Difficulties in navigating healthcare options, leading to delays in treatment.
Limited mental health support, especially for postnatal depression and anxiety.
For some, this means putting off necessary care or missing out altogether. Given how crucial postnatal health is for both mum and baby, this is a huge concern.
Positive Changes: What’s Being Done
The Victorian and Federal Governments have started addressing these concerns with significant new funding.
1. $5 Million for Mobile Women’s Health Clinics
The Victorian Government is launching mobile women’s health clinics to provide free healthcare services to women, especially in regional and rural areas. This is a big win for mums who struggle to access services due to distance, cost, or lack of childcare. These clinics offer:
Bulk-billed GP consultations
Postnatal physiotherapy
Pelvic health assessments
Mental health support for postnatal depression and anxiety
Lactation consultations
For new mums, this means getting the care they need without the added stress of travel or high costs. There are no dates for the Yarra Valley in 2025 yet, but we’ll let you know if we hear anything.
2. $500 Million Boost for Women’s Health in Medicare
The Federal Government has also committed $500 million to women’s health as part of its Medicare bulk-billing initiative. This means more bulk-billing options for GPs, specialists, and postnatal check-ups. This investment is one of the biggest boosts to Medicare in years, and it has the potential to make postnatal care far more affordable for thousands of Australian women.
Listening to Mums: Why Community Feedback Matters
One of the most powerful aspects of the Mums of the Hills survey was hearing directly from women about what they need. Their top priorities included:
More bulk-billing GPs and specialists
Greater access to subsidised specialised health services
Better mental health support
Clearer information on where to access services
For mums in our area, this means an increased risk of becoming isolated. Not having access to care can lead to social isolation, making it even harder for mums to find the support they need during this crucial time. MotHs does our bit to support mums through our Mums groups, where mums can receive expert support from The Health and Wellbeing Local and Osteopath Rebecca Lovett. The group also provides and opportunity for connection, advice, and community. If you're looking for support, one of our groups is starting this Thursday, and we'd love for you to join us!
Rebecca Lovett takes our Mums Groups to ensure mums are fully supported on their road to recovery following pregnancy.
What’s Next?
With the final report of the Victorian Women’s Pain Inquiry expected soon (early 2025 apparently). We can anticipate further recommendations for improving postnatal care. However, advocacy is essential to ensure that:
Postnatal care is recognised as a priority – not an afterthought
Specialist services are widely available and affordable
Women’s voices continue to shape healthcare reforms
Urgent Care Clinics become available in the Casey Electorate. Currently, access for those in the Yarra Valley is at either Maroondah or Narre Warren.
Local mums are also concerned with the future of the ICU unit at the Angliss Hospital. Currently access to the ICU is inhibited while construction is underway on the Angliss hospital expansion. Critically unwell patients are being treated at the Intensive Care facilities at Box Hill and Maroondah campuses. Clear communication on when ICU services will return to the Angliss would greatly reduce local concerns.
Postnatal care should never be a luxury – it’s a fundamental right. The latest funding and policy changes are a step in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done. MotHs will keep the conversation going and push for a healthcare system that truly supports mums at every stage of their journey.
