Childbearing women's experiences of the maternity care system in Australia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Substantial changes occurred in Australian healthcare provision during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Little is known about the impact of these changes on childbearing women. Aim: To explore and describe childbearing women's experiences of receiving maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used. Women were recruited through social media and self-nominated to participate in an interview. Maximum variation sampling was used. Twenty-seven interviews were conducted with women from across Australia. Data was analysed thematically. Findings: Three primary..