Having a baby in Victoria 1989-2000: Continuity and change in the decade following the Victorian ministerial review of birthing services

Abstract

Objective: To investigate changing patterns in the provision of maternity care in Victoria based on data collected in three statewide surveys conducted in 1989, 1994 and 2000. Methods: Postal surveys were mailed to all women who gave birth in Victoria in one week in 1989, and in two weeks in 1993 and 1999, excluding those who had a stillbirth or neonatal death. Questionnaires were sent to women by hospitals and home birth practitioners 5-8 months after the birth. Results: 71.4% of women (n=790) returned completed surveys in 1989, 62.5% (n=1,336) in 1994, and 67% (n=1,616) in 2000. The proportion of women receiving public care increased from 41.1% in 1989 to 63.6% in 1999. Simultaneously, the..