Regional women share postpartum journeys to create change

Women from South Australia's Limestone Coast have come together to discuss the shortcomings in perinatal care in their region, urging others to share their childbirth experiences with the Senate Select Committee on Women's Health. The committee's submissions are due in October, with its findings set to be released in August next year.

Taegan Partington, a mother who moved from Adelaide to Mount Gambier after giving birth, realized the distance and accessibility issues faced by women in rural areas. She decided to start a charity with other mothers in the area to address these challenges.

Partington and pelvic health physiotherapist Sarah Coshan organized a forum to discuss the select committee and the difficulties faced by regional women. Coshan highlighted the financial burden of postpartum services and the difficulties of traveling long distances to receive care. She emphasized that the lack of proper support can negatively impact a mother's mental health, making it harder for her to recover after childbirth.

Senator Marielle Smith, who experienced childbirth challenges herself, initiated the select committee after giving birth in 2019. Senator Smith's push to establish the committee stemmed from her own experiences and the numerous stories she heard from women in her community, who felt neglected compared to their urban counterparts. Coshan mentioned that mental health issues are a significant concern for regional women, who often struggle to access the care they need before or after giving birth.

The forum included a video call with committee chair Marielle Smith, whose own birth experience mirrored the struggles faced by many women. Partington stressed the importance of women sharing their stories if they can, as their voices can help bring about change for future mothers. Submissions to the select committee close on October 9, with the committee's final report due in August next year.