'Why Should It Be Different for Rural Women?': Exploring the Lived Experiences of Postnatal Support Received by...

This qualitative research study investigated the lived experiences of postnatal support received by mothers in rural North Queensland and how health service delivery is affected.

Postnatal mothers, aged over 18, who live in rural or remote areas based on the Modified Monash Model (MMM) 4-7 in North Queensland were eligible for the study.

This study was grounded in a constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative research design utilizing semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by a feminist theoretical framework. Participant interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams videoconferencing software.

Three themes were generated from the data that provide insight into the postnatal social support available to participants and how this could inform woman-centred rural health service delivery: (1) marry the farmer, marry the farm (2) connection, continuity and clinical handover and (3) rebuilding the village.

Women experienced many challenges ranging from social isolation to broader health system and workforce issues that undermined access to healthcare during their transition to motherhood. Continuity of care and health professionals having 'rural cognisance' is highly valued among mothers. Health professionals working with rural mothers should be informed about local and online opportunities for social connection. Rural mothers are resilient, building their own support network, despite health system failings. The narratives of rural mothers highlight significant deficiencies in the existing service models and underscore the necessity for systemic reforms that prioritise woman-centred care.

Rural mothers' postpartum experiences are shaped by isolation, limited healthcare access and structural challenges. While rural mothers demonstrate resilience, the ongoing emphasis on self-reliance obscures urgent systemic failings and highlights the pressing need for inclusive, woman-centred rural maternal health policy and service reform.