healthy mothers healthy families survey - Murdoch Childrens ...

VICTORIANhealthy mothershealthy families survey

how to fill in the questionnaireMost of the questions can be answered by putting a tick in the box next tothe answer that best applies to you. For example:Has your baby had any problems getting to sleep?Yes, a lotYes, sometimesNo, not at all1✓23If you wish to write any comments, please do so on the last page of thequestionnaire or attach extra pages if you wish.

This questionnaire asks you to tell us about your life andexperiences leading up to, during and after the birth ofyour baby last September. The feedback you provide uswill help us gain an understanding of women's views andexperiences of having a baby in Victoria.We know that the questionnaire is quite long, and you are probablyvery busy, but we would really like to have your answers about thisimportant time in your life.All information that you provide to the Healthy Mothers HealthyFamilies Survey research team is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and allfindings from the study will be presented in anonymous form.The research team is based at the Murdoch Childrens ResearchInstitute. If you have any questions about the study please call:Jenny Kelly (03) 9090 5214 Jan Wiebe (03) 9090 5215STRUCTURE OF THE QUESTIONNAIREThis questionnaire has seven sections, numbered A through GA about you and your babyB about your pregnancy careC about your life during pregnancyD labour and birthE the first few weeks following birthF about life with a new babyG some questions about you and your household

Aabout you and your babyA1. (a) On what date was your baby born?Day Month Year(b) What was the expected or due date for the birth?Day Month YearA2. Did you have twins or triplets?Yes, twins2(If you did have twins or triplets please fill in the questionnaire for each child, marking first baby,second baby etc. beside your answer to any questions to which you think it applies)Yes, tripletsNo2A3. Is your baby a girl or a boy?200003177GirlBoy12A4. When your baby was born, what did she or he weigh?orgramspoundsozsA5. (a) Is this your first baby?Yes, first baby (Go to A6)No12(b) If NO, how many babies have you had altogether, including this one?(Please include any that were stillborn after 20 weeks of pregnancy)Two babiesThree babiesFour babies234Five babies or more 52

(c) Did any of your OTHER children (excluding the baby you have just had)weigh less than 2500 grams or five and a half pounds?Yes1No2(d) At the birth of any of your OTHER children (excluding the baby you havejust had) did any of the following happen to you? (Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureCaesarean birth123Forceps or vacuum/suction cap123Premature birth (baby born before 37weeks pregnancy)123A6. Have you had any pregnancies ending in a stillbirth, miscarriage or abortion?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Miscarriage (or ectopic pregnancy)Abortion (termination of pregnancy)Stillbirth (after 20 weeks of pregnancy )Yes111No222A7. How tall are you without shoes? (If you are not sure please estimate)orcmfeetinchesA8. How much did you weigh towards the end of 2006? (i.e. before you becamepregnant)orkgstonepounds3

Babout your pregnancy careThis section asks about pregnancy visits (check-ups) with midwives anddoctors during your pregnancy.B1. How many weeks pregnant were you when you first saw a doctor or amidwife for care related to your pregnancy?Less than 6 weeks7-12 weeks13-20 weeksMore than 20 weeksNot sure12345B2. How many times did you see a midwife and/or doctor for a routinepregnancy visit during your pregnancy?(Please do not include visits for an ultrasound scan or other screening tests, e.g. CTG monitoring ofbaby’s heart rate)Once or twice3 or 4 times5 or 6 times7 or 8 timesMore than 8 timesI did not see a doctor or amidwife during my pregnancyNot sure1234567B3. (a) Before your pregnancy, did you have a regular GP (local or family doctor)?Yes 1 No (Go to B4)2(b) Did you see this doctor for any of your pregnancy check-ups?Yes, several timesYes, once or twice12No 34

B4. a) Did you have any of the following medical conditions or health issuesduring your pregnancy?(Please tick ALL that apply)Severe nausea and vomiting requiring hospitalisationVaginal bleeding requiring hospitalisation or bed rest at homeHigh blood pressurePre-eclampsiaGestational diabetesDepression111111b) Did you have any other medical conditions or health problems in yourpregnancy that meant meant you needed regular medication, special careor extra tests during pregnancy and/or childbirth?Yes 1 No (Go to B5)2c) If YES, please describeB5. (a) Did you see a midwife for pregnancy care at any of your pregnancy visits?Yes, I always or mostly saw a midwifeYes, I sometimes saw a midwifeNo (Go to B7)123(b) Did you usually see the same midwife at your visits?Yes, at all visitsYes, at most visitsNo, I mostly or always saw a different midwifeI only saw a midwife once1234Not sure 55

(c) On average, how long did you wait to see the midwife?Less than 30 minutes30-60 minutes `More than one hourNot sure1234(d) Where did the visits with a midwife take place? (Please tick ALL that apply)In private rooms of an obstetricianAt a GP/local doctor's clinicAt a community health centreAt a public hospital clinicIn your homeSomewhere else, please say where111111(e) On average, how long did you spend with the midwife at yourpregnancy visits?Less than 10 minutes10 - 20 minutesMore than 20 minutesNot sure1234B6. Thinking about the care you received from midwives during your pregnancy:(a) Did the midwives use words and explanations that you could easilyunderstand?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(b) Did you feel the midwives really listened to what you had to say?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always1234566

(c) Did the midwives spend enough time with you at your appointments?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(d) Did the midwives make an effort to get to know the issues that wereimportant to you?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(e) Did the midwives remember you between visits?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(f) Did you feel confident that what you told the midwife would be keptconfidential?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456B7. (a) Did you have any check-ups with doctors (local GP, hospital doctor,or obstetrician)?Yes, I always or mostly saw a doctor for check-upsYes, I saw a doctor for one or two visits12No (Go to B10) 37

(b) Did you usually see the same doctor/s at your check-ups?Yes, at all visitsYes, at most visitsNo, I mostly or always saw a different doctorI only saw a doctor onceNot sure12345(c) Where did the visits with a doctor take place?(Please tick ALL that apply)At a GP/local doctor's clinicAt a community health centreAt a public hospital clinicIn private rooms with an obstetricianIn your homeSomewhere else (please say where)111111(d) On average, how long did you wait to see the doctor?(Please tick ALL that apply)Hospital GP/local doctor Obstetriciandoctor in private rooms in private roomsLess than 30 minutes11130-60 minutes222More than one hour333Not sure444(e) On average, how long did you spend with the doctor at your pregnancycheck-ups?(Please tick ALL that apply)Hospital GP/local doctor Obstetriciandoctor in private rooms in private roomsLess than 10 minutes11110-20 minutes222More than 20 minutes333Not sure 4448

B8. The next set of questions is for women who saw a doctor at a GP clinic or inprivate rooms during pregnancy. If you saw more than one doctor, pleasetell us about the doctor you saw the most. If you did not see a doctor at aGP clinic or in private rooms, please go to B9.Thinking about the care you received from doctors at a GP clinic or at thedoctor's private rooms during your pregnancy:(a) Did the doctor use words and explanations that you could easilyunderstand?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(b) Did the doctor really listen to what you had to say?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(c) Did the doctor spend enough time with you at your appointments?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(d) Did the doctor make an effort to get to know the issues that wereimportant to you?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(e) Did the doctor remember you between visits?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(f) Did you feel confident that what you told the doctor would be kept confidential?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always1234569

B9. The next set of questions is for women who saw a doctor at a publichospital during pregnancy. If you did not see a public hospital doctor pleasego to B10.Thinking about the care you received from hospital doctors during your pregnancy:(a) Did the hospital doctors use words and explanations that you could easilyunderstand?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(b) Did the hospital doctors really listen to what you had to say?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(c) Did the hospital doctors spend enough time with you at your appointments?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(d) Did the hospital doctors make an effort to get to know the issues thatwere important to you?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(e) Did the hospital doctors remember you between visits?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(f) Did you feel confident that what you told the hospital doctor would bekept confidential?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always12345610

B10. Overall, how would you describe your pregnancy care?(Please tick only ONE)Very good Good Mixed Poor Very poor12345B11. There are many different options or types of pregnancy care now available inVictoria. What type of care did you have in your recent pregnancy?Type of care Description TickPrivate carePublic GP/Obstetrician careShared carePublic hospital clinicMidwives clinicMidwifery group practice/caseload midwiferyTeam midwifery careMidwife/GP shared careOther (please describe)All visits with an obstetrician in private rooms as aprivate patient, with a private obstetrician on callfor labour and birthAll or most visits with local GP and/or obstetricianas a public patient, with public hospital care forlabour and birthSome visits with GP/local doctor and some at a publichospital antenatal clinic, with public hospital carefor labour and birthAll visits at a public hospital antenatal clinic, withpublic hospital care for labour and birthAll or most visits with a team of midwives at a publichospital clinic with public hospital care forlabour and birthAll or most visits with the same one or two midwives,with midwives on call for labour and birthAll or most visits with a team of midwives, with thesame team of midwives providing care on a rosteredbasis for labour and birthAll or most visits with midwives and doctors at a localcommunity health centre or GP clinic, with publichospital care for labour and birth111111111I don’t know 111

C2. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY VISITS, did the doctor/s or midwives ask you about:Doctor Midwife Neither Notasked asked asked SureWhether you ever felt depressed1234Whether you were anxious or worried about thingshappening in your life1234Relationship issues1234Financial worries or problems1234Housing problems1234Violence in your home1234Whether you were smoking cigarettes in pregnancy1234Drinking alcohol during your pregnancy1234Using drugs in pregnancy1234How much support you would have from familyand friends after the birth of your baby1234How you planned to feed your baby?1234Please comment if you wishC3. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, did you feel that you needed help with anyof the following?(For each thing, tick yes if you felt you needed help, and tick no if you feel you did not need help)Did you need: Yes NoMoney to buy foodInformation about what to eat in pregnancyHelp with depressionHelp with an alcohol problemHelp with a drug problemHelp to reduce violence in your homeCounselling for family or personal problemsHelp to cut down or quit smokingInformation on life at home with a new babyInformation about breastfeeding11111111112222222222Other (please say what)? 1213

The next few questions ask about assistance offered to women to quitsmoking or cut down on smoking cigarettes in pregnancy.C4. DURING YOUR RECENT PREGNANCY, which of the following descriptions bestdescribes you?I smoked about the same amount as before finding out I was pregnantI smoked regularly, but cut down when I found I was pregnantI smoked more than I used to before I found out I was pregnantI smoked every once in a while when I was pregnant (Go to C5)I quit smoking when I found out I was pregnant (Go to C5)I quit smoking before I found out I was pregnant and didn't smoke at all in thispregnancy (Go to C5)I have never smoked cigarettes (Go to C8)1234567C5. If you quit smoking around the time you got pregnant, or smoked duringyour recent pregnancy please answer the following questions. If you did notsmoke while you were pregnant and had not recently quit, please go to C8.(a) During your pregnancy, were you told about theharmful effects of smoking for you and your baby?Yes1No2(b) Were you offered advice on how to stop or stayoff cigarettes?12(c) Were you given written information on how to stopor stay off cigarettes?12(d) Were you told about any program to help women stopsmoking in pregnancy?12(e) Was stopping smoking or staying off cigarettesdiscussed at more than one visit during your pregnancy? 1214

C6. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, how did you feel about the midwives and/ordoctors asking you about smoking?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Agree Agree Unsure Disagree DisagreestronglystronglyI was happy to be asked about it12345It helped to have someone to talk toabout it12345It was ok12345I did not want to talk about it12345I found it intrusive12345I felt like I was being judged12345I felt like the midwife and/or doctor didnot understand12345I found it easier to talk to the midwivesabout it12345I was not asked about smoking duringmy pregnancy12345Please comment if you wishC7. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS OF YOUR PREGNANCY, how many cigarettes didyou usually smoke in a day?More than 40 per day21-40 per day10-20 per day1-9 per daySmoked occasionally, usuallyless than one per day12345None 615

C8. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, did you receive help with any of the following?(For each thing, tick yes if you received help, and tick no if you did not receive help)YesNoMoney or other assistance to buy foodSupport to cut down or stop drinking alcoholSupport to cut down or stop using illicit drugsHelp to deal with violence in your homeHelp with family or personal problemsInformation about breastfeedingHelp with depressionInformation about going home with a new babyInformation about healthy food in pregnancySupport to deal with a gambling problemOther (please say what)1111111111122222222222C9. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, what would have helped you the most?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Someone to help me when I was sick and needed to be in bedYes1No2Someone to give me a lift when I needed to see the midwife or doctorSomeone to talk to my partner about his/her drinking ordrug problemSomeone to talk to my partner about my health problemsSomeone to mind my other childrenSomeone to talk to about things happening in my lifeSomeone to talk to my partner about his/her gambling problemSomeone to lend me $20Food vouchers or other assistance to buy healthy foodNONE OF THESE11111111122222222Something else (please say what) 1216

C10. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY were you:(Please tick ALL that apply)Living with a male partner/boyfriendLiving with a same-sex/lesbian partnerIn a relationship, but not living with your partnerMarriedSeparated or divorcedWidowedNot in a relationship/single?1111111C11. (a) DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, did someone go with you to one or morepregnancy visits (check ups)?Yes, my partnerYes, someone else (Go to section D)No (Go to section D)123(b) If you did go to pregnancy visits with your partner, did doctors ormidwives talk to your partner about:YesNoWhat to expect in your pregnancyWhat to expect during labour and birthGoing home with a new babyHarmful effects of smoking on you and your babyWays to cut down on his/her smokingHarmful effects of alcohol or drugs on you and your baby111111222222Ways to cut down on his/her alcohol or drug use? 1217

D labour and birthD1. Where was your baby born?Hospital labour ward or birth suiteOperating theatreHospital birth centreAt home, or somewhere else not in hospital1234(Please say where)(Go to D4)D2. Were you admitted to hospital for your baby's birth as:a public patienta private patient?12D3. What is the name of the hospital where your baby was born?D4. (a) Was this where you first arranged to have your baby?Yes (go to D5)1No2(b) If you answered NO, where did you first arrange to have the baby?(c) What was the reason for the change?18

D5. When you arrived at the hospital where your baby was born were the staff:Very friendly and welcomingFairly friendly and welcomingNot very friendly and welcomingCan't remember/don't knowNot applicable - baby born at home or on the way to hospital?12345Please comment if you wishD6. How did your labour begin?It started by itselfIt was started off, or induced by a doctor or midwifeNo labour (elective caesarean section) (Go to D11)123D7. Was your baby’s heart rate monitored by CTG (belt around your tummy)when you first went to hospital?YesNoNo, but my baby’s heart rate was monitored with CTG later onNot sure1234D8. Did any of the following happen to you?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureI had a tablet, pessary or gel inserted into myvagina (Prostaglandin)123My waters were broken (membranes ruptured)by a doctor or midwife123I had a hormone drip into my arm (e.g. Oxytocin,not just a fluid drip) 12319

D9. During labour, did you use any of the following to help relieve the pain?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureGas and oxygen (Nitrous oxide)123Injection of pethidine (or other pain killing drug)123Epidural or spinal injection in your back123TENS (electrical stimulation)123Sterile water injection (for back pain)123Acupuncture123Shower or bath123Other (please describe)123D10. How long were you in labour in hospital before your baby was born?(Please do not include any time you spent in labour at home)HoursMinutesD11. How was your baby born?(Please tick ONE response on each line. You may have experienced more than one of these)Yes No Not sureVaginal birth (head first)123Vaginal breech birth123Birth assisted with forceps123Birth assisted with vacuum extraction orventouse (suction cap)123Caesarean section (after going into labour)123Caesarean section (no labour) (Go to D14) 12320

D12. (a) Did you have an episiotomy (surgical cut near the opening of your vagina)at the time your baby was born?Yes 1No 2Not sure3(b) Did you have a perineal tear (near the opening of your vagina)?Yes, I had a tear extending from my vagina towards my back passageYes, I had an anterior or lateral tear (involving my labia and/or the area aroundmy clitoris)NoNot sure1234(c) Did you have stitches for an episiotomy or tear (near the opening ofyour vagina)?Yes 1No 2Not sure3D13. (a) Did you have a tear that affected your rectum (back passage)?Yes 1 No (Go to D14) 2 Not sure (Go to D14)3(b) If YES, did the doctor tell you:Yes No Not surei) that the tear extended to your anal sphincter(the muscle that you use to tighten your bowels)?123ii) that it went all the way to the lining of the rectum?123D14. Did any of the following happen to you at the birth or immediatelyafterwards? (Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureI had a general anaesthetic123I had an epidural or spinal anaesthetic in my back123I had a postpartum haemorrhage (significantblood loss)123I had a blood transfusion123I was admitted to intensive care123Other (please describe)21

D15. During the first hour after your baby was born, was your baby mostly…In your armsIn your partner's armsSomewhere else? (please say where)123D16. Were you able to hold your baby:(a) as soon as you would have liked after the birth?(b) as long as you would have liked after the birth?Yes11No22(c) If NO, why?I had a general anaestheticMy baby needed urgent medical attentionI needed urgent medical attentionNot sureOther (please say what)11111D17. Who was with you at the birth? (Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureYour partner/husband123A friend or relative123Midwife/nurse123Private obstetrician123GP/local doctor123Relieving doctor (locum)123Hospital doctor/registrar123Student doctor123Student midwife123Anaesthetist123Paediatrician123Other (please say who) 12322

D18. (a) Was there anyone at the birth that you did not want to be there?Yes 1 No (go to D19)2(b) Who would you rather had not been there?D19. Did you know any of the midwives that cared for you during labour and birth,before you had your baby?Yes, very wellYes, but not very wellNo, I didn't know themMidwife was not present1234D20. Did you know any of the doctors that cared for you during labour and birth,before you had your baby?Yes, very wellYes, but not very wellNo, I didn't know themDoctor was not present1234D21. Thinking about your CARE IN LABOUR AND BIRTH…(a) Did the midwives and doctors keep you informed about what was happening?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(b) Did the midwives and doctors use words and explanations you couldeasily understand?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always12345623

(c) Were the midwives and doctors encouraging and reassuring?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(d) Were the options for managing your labour and birth clearly explained?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(e) Did the midwives and doctors take your wishes into account?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(f) Did you ever feel that the midwives or doctors talked down to you?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always123456(g) Were the midwives there when you needed them?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456D22. Do you think you were given an active say in making decisions about whathappened during your labour and/or birth?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456IF YOU DID NOT WANT TO HAVE AN ACTIVE SAY IN DECISIONS,PLEASE TICK THIS BOX1D23. Overall, how would you describe your care in LABOUR AND BIRTH?Very good Good Mixed Poor Very poor1234524

Ethe first few weeks following birthThis section asks you about your experiences of care in hospital and athome in the first few weeks following the birth of your baby.E1. (a) Was your baby admitted to the special care or neonatal intensive care nursery?Yes 1No (Go to E2)2(b) Why was your baby admitted?(c ) How much time did your baby spend in the special care nursery and/orthe neonatal intensive care unit?Number of hours or Number of daysE2. How long did you stay in hospital after your baby was born?Number of hours or Number of daysNot applicable 1 (Go to E13)E3. What were your reasons for going home when you did? (Please tick ALL that apply)I was ready to go homeDoctor/midwife said I could go homeI don't like hospital and wanted to leave as soon as possibleToo much noise and too many interruptions in hospitalI wanted to be at home with my familyHospital or health fund had a policy that limited how long I could stayI had to go home to care for my other childrenI wanted to stay until I felt fully recovered from the birthI wanted to stay until I felt confident feeding my babyI wasn't well enough to leave hospital any soonerMy baby wasn't well enough to leave hospital any soonerHospital needed the bedI was discharged before I was readyOther reason (please say what)1111111111111125

E4. In your opinion was your stay in hospital:Too long 1 About right 2 Too short3E5. While you were IN HOSPITAL, did you ever breastfeed or give your babyexpressed breast milk?(Please tick only ONE)Yes, baby had breastfeeds onlyYes, baby had breastfeeds and expressed breast milkYes, baby had expressed breast milk onlyBaby had both breast (or expressed) and bottle (formula) feedsNo, baby had bottle (formula) feeds only12345E6. What were the BEST things about your care in hospital?(Please tick ALL that apply)Time to recover from the birth before going homeMeeting other women on the wardAssistance with feeding my babyReassurance that my baby was OKHaving someone to talk to about caring for my babyHaving midwives/nurses there to help when I needed themStaff taking an interest in my health and recoveryThe midwives were friendly and helpfulAssistance with settling and comforting my babyHaving a break from domestic responsibilities and/or other childrenHaving time to get to know my baby before going homeNONE OF THESE111111111111Other (please say what) 126

E7. What were the WORST things about your care in hospital?(Please tick ALL that apply)Not being able to restOther women I was sharing a room withConstant interruptionsToo much noiseConflicting adviceMidwives/nurses not there when I needed themThe staff did not take much interest in my health and recoveryStaff not spending enough time with mePressure to breastfeed my babyThe staff gave me so much information I couldn’t take it all inThe staff talked down to meLack of privacyVisiting hours not enforcedNONE OF THESEOther (please say what)111111111111111E8. Thinking about the care you received from the midwives/nurses DURINGYOUR STAY IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING THE BIRTH:(a) Did the midwives and nurses make an effort to get to know the issuesthat were important to you?Yes, Yes, most Sometimes Rarely Never Not surealways of the time123456(b) Did you feel confident that what you told the midwives and nurses wouldbe kept confidential?Never Rarely Sometimes Yes, most Yes, Not sureof the time always12345627

E9. Overall, how would you describe the care you and your baby received INHOSPITAL AFTER THE BIRTH? (Please tick only ONE)Very good 1 Good 2 Mixed 3 Poor 4 Very poor5E10. When you left hospital where did you go?Your own homeTo stay with your parents or other relativesTo another hospitalTo a hotel with midwife careTo a refuge or hostelAccommodation for parents with baby in hospitalSomewhere else (please describe)1234567The next few questions are about the care you received IN THE FIRSTWEEK AFTER YOU LEFT HOSPITAL.E11. (a) Did a midwife/nurse from the hospital telephone you to see how youwere getting along?Yes 1No 2Not sure3(b) Did a midwife and/or maternal and child health nurse visit you at home inthe FIRST WEEK after you left hospital?Yes, a midwife from the hospital where I had my baby visitedYes, a nurse from my local Maternal and Child Health Centre visitedYes, someone else visited (please say who)111No (Go to E16)Not sure (Go to E16)11(c) How many times did a midwife or maternal and child health nurse visitin the FIRST WEEK after you left hospital?Number of midwife visits in first week at home28Number of maternal and child health nurse visits in first week at home

E12. What were the BEST things about the care you received from themidwife/nurse that visited you during your FIRST WEEK AT HOME?(Please tick ALL that apply)Midwife Maternal & childhealth nurseAssistance with feeding my babyReassurance that my baby was OKThe fact that the midwife/nurse came to my homeHaving someone to talk to about caring for my babyAssistance with settling and comforting my babyI felt confident that I could trust the midwife's/nurse’s opinionKnowing that there was someone I could callThe midwife/nurse made me feel that my health and recoverywas important tooInformation about local community and support servicesThe midwife/nurse was friendly and helpfulNONE OF THESE1111111111122222222222Other (please say what) 1229

E13. What were the WORST things about the care you received from themidwife/nurse that visited you during your FIRST WEEK AT HOME?(Please tick ALL that apply)Midwife Maternal & childhealth nurseThe midwife/nurse wasn't there when I really needed herThe midwife/nurse was not always friendly and helpfulThe midwife/nurse did not spend enough time with meDifferent midwives/nurses gave me conflicting informationThe midwife/nurse didn't show much interest in my healthand recoveryPressure to breastfeed my babyThe midwife/nurse gave me so much information I couldn't takeit all inI wasn't sure that I could really trust the midwife's opinionI felt the midwife/nurse talked down to meNONE OF THESEOther (please say what)1111111111122222222222E14. Overall, how would you describe the care you and your baby received from themidwife/nurse who visited you in your FIRST WEEK AT HOME? (Please tick only ONE)Very good Good Mixed Poor Very poor12345E15. During your FIRST WEEK AT HOME did you breastfeed your baby? (Pleaseinclude expressed breast milk)Yes, baby had breastfeeds or expressed breast milk onlyYes, baby had both breast and bottle (formula) feedsNo, baby had bottle (formula) feeds only123E16. Looking back to your FIRST WEEK AT HOME with your new baby, howconfident did you feel about looking after your baby?Very Fairly Mixed Fairly Extremelyconfident confident anxious anxious1234530

E17. DURING THE FIRST MONTH FOLLOWING THE BIRTH, did any of the followinghappen to you? (Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureExcessive loss of blood or blood clots from yourvagina (postpartum haemorrhage)123Reopening/breakdown of caesarean section scar123Reopening/breakdown of episiotomy (cut) or tear123Retained membranes or placenta/infection inyour womb (uterus)123Wound infection treated with antibiotics123Mastitis (breast infection) treated with antibiotics123Other (please describe)123E18. (a) Were YOU readmitted to hospital (to stay overnight) in the first monthafter the birth of your baby?Yes 1 No (Go to E21)2(b) If YES, what was the main reason for your admission?I was admitted for bleedingI was admitted for treatment of an infection (please describe)11Other (please describe)1E19. Was YOUR BABY readmitted to hospital (to stay overnight) during the firstmonth after he/she was born?YesNo, but I was admitted to hospital and my baby came with me (Go to F1)No (Go to F1)123(b) What was the main reason for your baby's admission?My baby had jaundiceMy baby had a chest infection/breathing problemsMy baby was not gaining weightMy baby was having feeding problemsMy baby had surgery11111Other (please describe)131

Fabout life with your new babyThis section asks you about your life and your own health since the birth ofyour new baby. The first questions ask for your views about your health, howyou feel and how well you are able to do your usual activities. If you are unsureabout how to answer a question, please give the best answer you can.F1. In general, would you say your health is:Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor12345F2. The following questions are about activities you might do during a typicalday. Does YOUR HEALTH NOW LIMIT YOU in these activities? If so, how much?ACTIVITIES Yes, limited Yes, limited No, nota lot a little limited at all(a) Moderate activities, such as moving atable, pushing a vacuum cleaner, bowling,or playing golf123(b) Climbing several flights of stairs123F3. DURING THE PAST 4 WEEKs have you had any of the following problems withyour work or other regular daily activities as a result of your physical health?All of Most of Some of A little of None ofthe time the time the time the time the time(a) Accomplished less than you would like12345(b) Were limited in the kind of workor other activities12345F4. DURING THE PAST 4 WEEKS, have you had any of the following problems withyour work or other regular daily activities as a result of any emotionalproblems (such as feeling depressed or anxious)?All of Most of Some of A little of None ofthe time the time the time the time the time(a) Accomplished less than you would like1234532(b) Didn't do work or other activitiesas carefully as usual 12345

F5. DURING THE PAST 4 WEEKS, how much did pain interfere with your normalwork (including both work outside the home and housework)?Not at all A little bit Moderately Quite a bit Extremely12345F6. These questions are about how you feel and how things have been with youDURING THE PAST 4 WEEKS. For each question, please give the one answerthat comes closest to the way you have been feeling. How much of the timeDURING THE PAST 4 WEEKS -All of Most of Some of A little of None ofthe time the time the time the time the time(a) Have you felt calm and peaceful?12345(b) Did you have a lot of energy?12345(c) Have you felt down?12345F7. DURING THE PAST 4 WEEKS, how much of the time has your physical healthor emotional problems interfered with your social activities (like visitingfriends, relatives, etc)?All of Most of Some of A little of None ofthe time the time the time the time the time12345F8. (a) How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?Every day4 to 6 times a week2 to 3 times a weekOnce a weekMonthly or lessI have never drunk alcohol (Go to F9)123456I have not drunk alcohol at all since the birth of my baby (Go to F9) 733

(b) How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you aredrinking? (Please refer to the picture for examples of standard drinks)1 or 23 or 45 or 67 to 1011 or more12345(c) How often do you have 5 or more standard drinks on one occasion?(Please refer to the picture)Every day4 to 6 times a week2 to 3 times a weekOnce a week2 to 3 times a monthMonthly or lessNot at all in the past 18 months1234567F9. Which ONE of the following descriptions best describes your cigarettesmoking NOW?I smoke about the same amount as I did when I was pregnantI smoke less than I did when I was pregnantI smoke more than I did when I was pregnantI smoke every once in a whileI didn't smoke when I was pregnant and I'm not smoking now12345I have never smoked cigarettes 634

The following questions ask about your emotional well-being now.F10. Please read each statement and tick the response which indicates how muchthe statement applied to you over the past week. There are no right or wronganswers. Please do not spend too much time on any statement.Never Some of A good Most ofthe time part of the timethe time(a) I found it hard to wind down1234(b) I was aware of dryness of my mouth(c) I couldn't seem to experience any positivefeeling at all(d) I experienced breathing difficulty, (e.g.excessively rapid breathing or breathlessnesswhen not exercising)(e) I found it difficult to work up the initiativeto do things1111222233334444(f) I tended to over-react to situations1234(g) I experienced trembling (e.g. in the hands)1234(h) I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy(i) I was worried about situations in which Imight panic and make a fool of myself11223344(j) I felt that I had nothing to look forward to1234(k) I found myself getting agitated1234(l) I found it difficult to relax1234(m) I felt down-hearted and blue(n) I was intolerant of anything that kept mefrom getting on with what I was doing11223344(o) I felt I was close to panic(p) I was unable to become enthusiasticabout anything11223344(q) I felt I wasn't worth much as a person1234(r) I felt that I was rather touchy(s) I was aware of the action of my heart (eg,sense of heart rate increase or heart missing abeat when not exercising)11223344(t) I felt scared without any good reason1234(u) I felt that life was meaningless 123435

F11. The next series of questions is about your physical health, in particularabout any bowel or urinary symptoms that you may have experienced.You may find some of the questions embarrassing or very personal, but ifyou have experienced any of these symptoms and you are able to tell usabout them, it will help us get a clearer picture of how many womenexperience these symptoms after birth.In the LAST THREE MONTHS have you leaked even small amounts of urine:(a) when you coughed, laughed or sneezed, or did physical exercise?No, neverYes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a weekYes, every day12345(b) when you were on the way to the toilet?No, neverYes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a weekYes, every day12345(c) when you had to wait to use the toilet?No, neverYes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a week1234Yes, every day 536

(d) if you did not go to the toilet immediately?No, neverYes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a weekYes, every day12345If you answered NO to ALL of the questions in F11, please go to F13.F12. When you leak urine, is it…Drops or just a littleMore like a trickleMore than a trickle123The next two questions ask about bowel symptoms. Please do not includeany problems during short term illnesses such as the flu or a viral infection.F13. (a) SINCE THE BIRTH have you ever, even very occasionally, experienced leakageof liquid bowel motions at an inappropriate time or inappropriate place?No, never (Go to F14)Yes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a weekYes, every day12345(b) If YES, when this happened how much leakage typically occurred?Small amount (with stain about the size of a 10 cent coin)Moderate amounts (often requiring a change of pad or underwear)12Large amounts (often requiring a complete change of clothes) 337

F14. (a) SINCE THE BIRTH have you ever, even very occasionally, experiencedleakage of solid bowel motions at an inappropriate time or inappropriateplace?No, never (Go to F15)Yes, less than once a monthYes, one or several times a monthYes, one or several times a weekYes, every day12345(b) IF YES, when this happened how much leakage typically occurred?Small amount (with stain about the size of a 10 cent coin)Moderate amounts (often requiring a change of pad or underwear)Large amounts (often requiring a complete change of clothes)123Thank you for completing the questions so far.We are especially grateful because we knowhow busy you must be with your new baby.38

The next series of questions asks you about what has been happening inyour life SINCE THE BIRTH of your new baby.F15. Have any of the following things happened to you in the months since yournew baby was born? (For each item, tick yes if it happened to you, and no if it did not)YesNoYou had a major illness or injuryA close family member or close friend had a major illness or injuryYou started a new close personal relationshipYou got married or moved in with your partnerSeparation or divorceYou moved to a new house/new place to liveYou were homelessYou were unable to return to work when you had plannedYour partner lost his/her jobYour partner said he/she did not want your babyYour were humiliated or emotionally abused in other ways byyour partner or ex-partnerYou had a lot of bills you couldn't payYou didn't have enough money to buy foodThere was serious conflict between members of your familyDeath of a close family member or friendYou were kicked, hit, slapped or otherwise physically hurt by yourpartner or ex-partnerSomeone else (other than your partner or ex-partner) pushed,grabbed, shoved, kicked or hit youYou or your partner had trouble with alcohol or illicit drugsYou or your partner had trouble with gamblingYou were forced to take part in unwanted sexYou or your partner had legal troubles or was involved in a court case111111111111111111111222222222222222222222NONE OF THESE 139

The next few questions ask about your experiences in adult intimaterelationships. By adult intimate relationship we mean your relationship witha partner, husband, boyfriend or girlfriend for longer than one month.F16. a) Are you currently in an adult intimate relationship?Yes1No2b) Have you ever been afraid of your current partner or an ex-partner?Yes1No2(c) During your pregnancy, were you ever afraid of your partner or an ex-partner?Yes1No2d) Are you currently afraid of your partner or an ex-partner?(Please tick ALL that apply)Yes, current partner 1Yes, ex-partner 2No3The next questions ask you about health services you may have usedin the past six months.F17. SINCE THE BIRTH, how many times have you visited or been visited by amaternal and child health nurse?Never (go to F20) 1-2 times 3-4 times 5-6 times 7 or more times1234540

F18. What are the BEST things about the care you have received from thematernal and child health nurse?(Please tick ALL that apply)Assistance with feeding my babyReassurance that my baby was OKSomeone to talk to about caring for my babyKnowing that there is someone I can callAssistance with settling and comforting my babyThe nurse makes me feel that my health and well-being are important tooInformation about local community and support servicesThe nurse is friendly and helpfulI feel confident that I can trust the nurse's opinionThe nurse told me I was doing a great job as a motherNONE OF THESEOther (please say what)111111111111F19. What are the WORST things about the care you have received from thematernal and child health nurse?(Please tick ALL that apply)The nurse gives me so much information that I can’t take it all inThe nurse isn’t there when I really need herThe nurse is not always friendly and helpfulThe nurse doesn't spend enough time with mePressure to breastfeed my babyThe nurse doesn’t show much interest in my health and well-beingI’m not sure I can really trust the nurse's opinionI feel like the nurse talks down to meI’m worried the nurse thinks I’m a bad motherNONE OF THESE1111111111Other (please say what) 141

F20. SINCE THE BIRTH, how many times have you visited a GP (local doctor) foryour own health or about the health of your new baby?Never 1-2 times 3-4 times 5-6 times 7 or more times12345F21. (a) SINCE THE BIRTH, have you and your baby attended:(Please tick ONE response on each line)Yes No Not sureA breastfeeding (lactation) service123A private lactation consultant123A mother and baby day stay program(e.g. for settling, sleeping issues)123F22. SINCE THE BIRTH, has a health professional asked you about:(Please tick ONE response on each line)GP Maternal Neither Notasked & child asked surehealthnurse askedWhether you were anxious or worried aboutthings happening in your life1234Whether you ever felt depressed1234Relationship issues1234Financial worries or problems1234Housing problems1234Violence in your home1234Your physical health and recovery following the birth1234Concerns about alcohol and/or drug use?1234Please comment if you wish42

F23. SINCE THE BIRTH of your new baby, have you received help with any of thefollowing? (For each thing, tick yes if you received help, and tick no if you did not receive help)Someone to mind my baby and/or other childrenMoney to buy foodSupport to cut down or stop drinking alcoholSupport to cut down or stop using illicit drugsHelp to deal with violence in your homeHelp to deal with family or personal problemsHelp to cut down or stop smokingSupport to deal with a gambling problemOther (please say what)Yes111111111No222222222F24. SINCE THE BIRTH, what would have helped you the most?(Please tick ONE response on each line)Someone to help me when I was sick and needed to be in bedSomeone to give me a lift when I needed to see the doctorSomeone to talk to my partner about his/her drinking problemSomeone to mind my baby and/or other childrenSomeone to talk to about things happening in my lifeSomeone to lend me $20Food vouchers or some other assistance to buy foodSomeone to talk to my partner about his/her gambling problemNONE OF THESEYes111111111No222222222Something else (please say what) 1243

F25. (a) Are you continuing to breastfeed your baby (or giving expressed breast milk)?No, I have stopped breastfeedingNo, but I never started breastfeedingYes (Go to Section G)123(b) If you started to breastfeed, and have stopped, how old was your babywhen you stopped?orNumber of completed weeksNumber of completed months44

G some questions about you andyour householdThank you for taking the time to answer the questions so far. In order for us tounderstand the experiences of women giving birth, it is important that weknow a little about you. For example we may find that women have differentexperiences or needs depending on whether they are younger or older; livealone or with other members of their family; were born in another country, etc.We would appreciate it if you would complete the following questions. All theinformation you provide is anonymous, and confidential. There is no possibilityof any information being given to any other person or organisation.G1. What is your date of birth?1Day Month Year9G2. (a) Who else lives with you in your household?Your partner/husbandThe baby you had in SeptemberYour other biological childrenStep child/ren (partner's child/ren from previous relationship)Foster child/renYour motherYour fatherYour partner's motherYour partner's fatherAunt/uncleNiece/nephewCousinOther relativeBoarder/housemateUnrelated childUnrelated adult1111111111111111Someone else (please say who)145

(b) How many people altogether live in your household?(Please include anyone who has been living with you in the past month)Number of adults (including you)Number of children(c) Are you currently...(Please tick ALL that apply)Living with a male partner/boyfriendLiving with a same-sex/lesbian partnerIn a relationship, but not living with your partnerMarriedSeparated or divorcedWidowedNot in a relationship/single?1111111G3. Did you have a paid job DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?Yes, I worked full-time for most of my pregnancyYes, I worked part-time for most of my pregnancyNo123G4. Were you studying DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?Yes, I was studying full-timeYes, I was studying part-time12No 346

G5. (a) SINCE HAVING YOUR BABY, have you gone back to paid work or study?Yes, I've gone back to paid workYes, I've returned to studyYes, I've gone back to paid work and studyNo, I'm not in paid work or studying at the present time (Go to G7)1234(b) How old was your baby when you returned to paid work or study?Less than seven weeks oldBetween seven weeks and three months oldBetween four and six months oldMore than six months old1234(c) How many hours did you spend at work or studying last week?Less than 10 hoursBetween 10 and 20 hoursMore than 20 hours123G6. Did you qualify for maternity leave?Yes, I qualified for paid and unpaid maternity leaveYes, but I only qualified for unpaid maternity leaveNo, I did not qualify for paid or unpaid maternity leave123G7. DURING YOUR PREGNANCY did you have a health care concession card?Yes 1No 247

The following questions ask about experiences of being treated unfairlyor discriminated against by health professionals. Being 'treated unfairly'means being treated as if you were inferior, rudely, with disrespect, beingignored, insulted, stereotyped, harassed or having unfair assumptionsmade about you.G8. Over the past year, have any of the following things happened to you?Never Rarely Sometimes Often Very Oftena) Doctors, midwives, nurses or otherhealth professionals treated you withless courtesy than other people12345b) You received poorer care from doctors,midwives, nurses or other healthprofessionals than other people12345c) Doctors, midwives, nurses or otherhealth professionals talked down to you12345d) Doctors, midwives, nurses or otherhealth professionals treated you withless respect than other people12345e) You were insulted, stereotyped orignored by doctors, midwives, nursesor other health professionals12345If YES, do you think this was related to:Your ageYour cultural backgroundYour sexual orientationYour weightSomething else? (please say what)11111Please comment if you wish48

G9. What is the name of the country where you were born?G10. If you were born overseas, how long have you lived in Australia?(Please go to G11 if you were born in Australia)months or yearsG11. Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?(For persons of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, mark both “Yes' boxes)Yes, AboriginalYes, Torres Strait IslanderNo123G12. (a) Is English your first language?Yes (Go to G14)1No2(b) If NO, how well can you speak English?Very wellFairly wellNot very wellCannot understand English1234G13. How often was there someone who could speak your language, and translatefor you, when you were with doctors or midwives:Always Sometimes Neversomeone someone anyone(a) during your pregnancy?123(b) during labour and birth?123(c) in hospital after the birth? 12349

G14. What is the postcode for your home address, i.e. place where you usually live?PostcodeIf you do not know the postcode please write the name of the place where you live.G15. When did you leave school?Completed secondary school to end of Year 12Attended secondary school but did not complete final yearAttended primary school onlyDid not attend school1234G16. Have you completed further study since leaving school?Yes, finished a degreeYes, completed a diplomaYes, completed an apprenticeship or traineeshipNo, none of these1234We would like to reassure you that all informationyou provide will be treated as confidential.50

G17. What was the total income (before tax) of your family from all sources lastfinancial year (2006/2007)?$20,000 or less$20,001 - $30,000$30,001 - $40,000$40,001 - $50,000$50,001 - $60,000$60,001 - $70,000$70,001 - $100,000More than $100,000Not surePrefer not to answer12345678910G18. (a) Do you currently have a health care concession card?Yes1No2G19. Were you covered by private health insurance when you gave birth to your baby?Yes, covered by private health insuranceNo, public patient covered by Medicare only2G20. What is today’s date?2Day Month Year00851

Thank you!Thank you very much for completing the questionnaire. We are verygrateful for the time and trouble you have taken. Please use the reply paidenvelope to send it back. You do not need a stamp. If no envelope wasenclosed or you have mislaid it please call Jenny or Jan on (03) 9090 5214and they will send you out another one.Would you be happy for us to contact you if we need to clarify or check anyof the information you have provided?Yes1No2Are you interested in taking part in other studies conducted by ourresearch group?Yes1No2If you are happy for us to contact you, please write your first name andtelephone number in the space below. We will not pass on any of theinformation you have provided to anyone else.First name:Telephone number52

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