Most women would make different choices about their maternity care if they had another baby, according to new research.
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The Western Sydney University study found 85 per cent of women they surveyed were unhappy with the way they advocated for themselves, or the model of care they received.
Among the issues expressed by women in the study were a desire to advocate better for themselves (39.2 per cent), Wanting a specific birth experience (28.5 per cent), and wanting a specific model of care (17.8 per cent).
![The study found 85 per cent of women they surveyed were unhappy with their maternity care, supporting evidence presented to the Birth Trauma Inquiry. File picture The study found 85 per cent of women they surveyed were unhappy with their maternity care, supporting evidence presented to the Birth Trauma Inquiry. File picture](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/200569959/1bac4b96-4879-4fc5-9e5c-70ad60315e81.jpg/r0_307_6000_3694_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Study lead Dr Hazel Keedle said the research identified that women predominantly want to avoid a repeat of their previous pregnancy and birth experience.
"Women appear to blame themselves for their previous birth experience," she said.
"They are also determined to plan and be better prepared for future births and mostly see vaginal birth, with minimal intervention, in a midwifery continuity of care model as important for the next birth.
"It is imperative that culturally safe continuity of midwifery care is available for all women across Australia, including those in regional, rural and remote communities. Further research is needed to explore the impact of providing midwifery-led maternity services in these communities on women's experiences."
Women in the study who were happy with their experiences giving birth were most likely to have received continuity of care from their healthcare professionals.
This supports arguments being made by healthcare professionals across the country in the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry.
The inquiry into Birth Trauma was prompted by dozens of complaints lodged by the Maternity Consumer Network about birthing trauma experienced at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
It has received an "unprecedented" number of submissions, with more than 4000 responses received. Most of these have come from individual women who have been traumatised by their experience giving birth.
Chair of Human Rights in Childbirth Dr Bashi Kumar-Hazard told the committee on September 4 women were routinely suffering from human rights abuses giving birth in Australian hospitals.
"The abuse and mistreatment of pregnant women and people in maternity health facilities is a normalised, everyday event," she said.
"We've had clients and women come to us who have, sadly, committed suicide or attempted suicide. We've seen situations where women have rejected their infants, and it takes a lot of counselling and support to get them back on track.
"We've had clients and women come to us who have, sadly, committed suicide or attempted suicide. We've seen situations where women have rejected their infants, and it takes a lot of counselling and support to get them back on track."
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