Adding women's voices to the call for sustainable rural maternity care.

The shortage of maternity care providers in Canada has been documented largely from the perspective of physicians. Women in rural communities, however, have much to contribute to this discussion. Exploratory research in 3 rural communities in south central Ontario eliciting the perspectives of 36 birthing women has affirmed the need for integrated models of maternity care. Rural women seek care that is local and "relational," characterized by time spent with care providers, continuity and personalized care. They also seek care that is based on fully informed choice. Collaborative models of care, including rural physicians, nurses and midwives, have the potential to create the sustainability and collegiality required to achieve these qualities.