Health · Healthcare & Policy · 5 hrs ago
Mothers call for better postpartum support in federal inquiry
Perth mother Morgan says her first weeks after childbirth were among the hardest of her life.
She was sleep-deprived, received conflicting breastfeeding advice and struggled as her daughter had difficulty feeding and was not gaining weight properly.
More support during her second birth made a major difference to her physical and emotional wellbeing, including access to midwifery continuity of care.
Morgan says the contrast led her to train as a postpartum doula and call for better care, especially in regional and rural areas.
More than 2,000 submissions have gone to the federal inquiry, which is hearing from women, parents and advocates about their experiences.
The inquiry also covers other areas of women's health, including pain conditions and fertility treatments.
Hearings are taking place across the country, with Western Australian mothers giving evidence in Perth this week.
Hundreds of women have shared experiences of postpartum care with a federal inquiry into women’s health.
Perth mother Morgan said a lack of support after her first child’s birth left her overwhelmed and unsure she could have another child.
She said care was much better after her second child’s birth, when she had more support and access to midwifery continuity of care.
Inquiry chair Senator Marielle Smith said more than 2,000 submissions had been received from women, parents and advocates.
Mothers and advocates are calling for more comprehensive postpartum care and support, including in regional and rural areas.
- Who
- Mothers, parents and advocates have shared experiences with the inquiry. Perth mother Morgan and inquiry chair Senator Marielle Smith are among those featured.
- What
- Women are calling for better postpartum support as part of a federal inquiry into women’s health.
- When
- WA mothers gave evidence in Perth during the week of November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Perth, Western Australia, and hearings around Australia.
- Why
- Women described feeling let down by postpartum care and said support and education were lacking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Morgan said a lack of support and conflicting breastfeeding advice contributed to weeks of feeding difficulties.
Morgan said she had more support and access to midwifery continuity of care, and her physical and emotional wellbeing improved.
WA mothers gave evidence to the federal inquiry into women's health in Perth.
- Submissions
- More than 2,000 received from women, parents and advocates
- Inquiry
- Federal inquiry into women's health
- Location
- Perth, Western Australia
- Morgan's second birth
- More support and access to midwifery continuity of care
- Inquiry scope
- Postpartum care, pain conditions and fertility treatments
What people are saying
I was sleep-deprived, I had no idea what I was doing.
too many women feel let down
When the inquiry was called, it was honestly like such a relief to have someone finally notice and pay attention to mums and ask if mums are OK,