'We country women need advocacy': Birthing narratives from the Western Australian Wheatbelt region

Abstract

Introduction: This study describes the experiences of eight mothers from the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia who shared their stories of travelling and/or temporarily relocating for birth.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe rural and remote Western Australian mothers' experiences of travelling long distances and/or relocating to give birth.

Design: This study was based on Crotty's four elements of qualitative research. This study was underpinned by a constructivist epistemology, a feminist theoretical lens and a narrative approach using semistructured, story-based interviews. Participants narrated their stories of birthing away from home by telephone interview.

Findings: Five major themes were identified utilising thematic analysis. These were (1) feeling forgotten in the system, (2) accessibility and choice, (3) compounded social isolation, (4) doing it hard: financial and logistical challenges and (5) building strength: advocating for myself and baby.

Discussion: Mothers' stories were reflective of current and historical failures of rural maternal health policy, including widespread closures of rural birthing hospitals. Mothers described the logistical barriers they faced with little support and suggested multiple solutions that would improve their experiences.

Conclusion: Mothers faced significant obstacles which impeded their access to equitable maternal healthcare. This study highlights the complexities of birthing as a rural mother and the need to address maternal health inequities between rural and metropolitan women.

Keywords: Western Australia; healthcare accessibility; maternal health; maternal health policy; rural birthing; rural health; rural mothers.