Are we providing adequate postnatal services?

Over the past 10 years, there have been significant changes to postnatal services. There is insufficient research that evaluates the effect these changes have on the physical and psychological outcomes of women and families or the level of support women and children actually require in the first postnatal year. We argue that there is an urgent need for research which tests the outcomes and cost effectiveness of different models of postnatal care currently being offered. The most rigorous research methods possible are necessary to provide robust evidence to prevent the degradation of postnatal maternity services. This research should evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of different models of postnatal care as well as describe the content and quality of postnatal services. Knowledge gained from such research would and should assist the development of recommendations and policies for postnatal midwifery and early childhood practice in Australia.