Postnatal experiences and outcomes of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of women birthing in Melbourne, Victoria in 2020

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic meant there were significant changes to the way maternity care was provided. Postnatal care was impacted by restrictions on visitors and support people in hospitals as well as decreased home-based midwifery care after birth. Anecdotally, many providers report considering maintaining some of the restrictions post-pandemic. Women’s views and health outcomes should be considered in policy decisions. AIM: Explore the impact of changes to postnatal care for women who birthed during COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of all women who birthed at one tertiary service in Melbourne in September and October 2020 was undertaken. Women were invited to participate in the study when their baby was four to six months old. They could choose to complete the survey via telephone or online. RESULTS: In total, 483 out of 1002 eligible women (48%) participated, of whom 40%rated their hospital postnatal care as ‘Very good’, with 53% rating their baby’s care as ‘Very good’. Two-thirds felt postnatal hospital visitor restrictions impacted their experience, with most reporting this was a negative impact (72%). During the first six weeks postpartum, 75% of respondents felt the restrictions impacted the support they received from their partner, family or friends, and two-thirds felt this was a negative impact. At four months, 83% of women were giving any breast milk, and 60% were giving only breast milk. Eighty-three percent of reported that the way they were feeding their baby was affected, and 73% of these considered it had a negative impact. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic affected women’s postpartum experiences in a variety of ways, most often negatively. As we emerge from the pandemic, it is important to reflect on women’s experiences and outcomes and refocus on what the women themselves consider to be the important elements of support for optimum outcomes.