Proserpine Hospital - Queensland Centre for Mothers & Babies

Part C: Attention from Care Providers
Attention from care providers refers to the nature of contact with maternity care providers women have during labour, birth and
the postnatal stay in hospital. Having sufficient contact between women and care providers is important for building rapport,
ensuring consistent provision of care and information, and aiding early detection of potential maternal or infant health needs or
risks.
We have reported on two indicators of attention from care providers.
Indicator 5: Do women have continuity of carer during labour and birth
Having continuity of carer during labour and birth (i.e. having at least one individual care provider who remains caring for a
woman throughout her labour and birth) is highly valued by maternity care consumers in Queensland (Thompson & Wojcieszek,
under review).
Indicator 6: Are women satisfied with the amount of care during their postnatal stay
Care received during the postnatal stay has been rated less favourably by women in other Australian states than the care
received during pregnancy, labour and birth (Brown et al., 2005). It is important that women are adequately supported during this
time, particularly given the number of transitions that may be occurring in addition to being in an unfamiliar environment. The
preferred amount and frequency of support during a postnatal stay may vary across women depending on their individual
circumstances, thus it is important for care providers to be attentive and communicate effectively with women to ensure they are
receiving the right level of attention.
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