Queensland mums are being given the opportunity to have their voices heard on maternity care in Queensland.
UQ’s Queensland Centre for Mothers & Babies is launching a state-wide survey this week for new mums to share their experiences – both good and bad – on having a baby in Queensland.
Associate Professor Sue Kruske said the Having a Baby in Queensland Survey was the first step to understanding women’s needs and preferences for improved maternity care.
“In particular, we are interested in women’s satisfaction with the maternity care they receive before and after birth and what improvements would enhance their experience,” Dr Kruske said.
“As new mums, this is your chance to tell your story and make a difference.
“Your feedback will go not only to the people who make policy decisions, but also your local hospitals and birth centres to celebrate the things that are working well and improve things that may not be working so well.”
The Centre is an independent centre based at UQ and is funded by Queensland Health. The role of the Centre is to work towards consumer-focused maternity care that is integrated, evidence-based and provides optimal choices for women in Queensland.
Dr Kruske said the survey, distributed in partnership with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, was one of the largest of its kind in Australia with almost 22,000 mums invited to take part.
“The survey will be rolled out in a number of stages, with the first stage targeting new mums who gave birth in February this year,” she said.
“Over the following months, those mums who gave birth in March, April and May will also be invited to participate.
“The survey is entirely voluntary, but we hope as many women from as many different backgrounds participate so we can represent as many different experiences as possible.”
The survey can be completed in three ways, either by filling out the mailed-out survey, going online at www.havingababy.org.au/yourstory or by freecalling 1800 704 539 during business hours.
Mums who do not fall into the initial survey periods can still get involved by registering their interest on the Having a Baby website, to be contacted for a later survey.
Media: Andrew Dunne, QCMB Advocacy & Communication Team Leader, 0433 364 181.
