International Journal of
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Research Article Volume 12 Issue 2
Perceived needs for a community based residential model of care for new mothers and babies
Raie Goodwach, Maggie Kirkman, Margaret Hay, Samuel Menahem, Jane Fisher
Received: February 07, 2026 | Published: March 25, 2026
Citation: Goodwach R, Kirkman M, Hay M, et al. Perceived needs for a community based residential model of care for new mothers and babies . Pregnancy & Child Birth. 2026;12(1):28-33. DOI: 10.15406/ipcb.2026.12.00337
Abstract
Background: Women who have recently given birth are discharged after a short hospital stay have high and sometimes unmet needs for practical and emotional support. A communitybased, fee-free domestic residential service has been provided by an experienced doula and there is now consideration of expanding and formalising the service. The aim was to ascertain the views of diverse interest holders about the needs for and nature of such services. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with women who had or had not used the service, health care providers and managers. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Of the five women who had used the service and five who had not, some favoured a residential model which allowed them to recover from the stresses of the pregnancy and birth, affording them uninterrupted time with their newborns. Others preferred to be home but sought attendance at an appropriately staffed centre to meet their peers, share concerns and acquire caregiving skills. A few preferred home help. Five nurses attending new mothers and their babies, three doctors, a senior clinical administrator and a volunteer identified safety, clinical standards, health regulations and costs as concerns to be addressed. Many women need assistance, especially if there was no family support, or affordable additional care. Potential adverse consequences affecting the health and wellbeing of women and their babies might be averted by new models of community-based care. Conclusion: Diverse interest holders had aligned views that many women who have recently given birth have unmet needs for rest, support, opportunities for recovery and a reduced household burden. Opinions varied as to how to address these needs – though kind, supportive care in a domestic setting versus additional support at home. Fee-free services provided by volunteers are not sustainable. Affordability and equity of access are potential problems Health professionals agreed with the need but had concerns about safety and quality. Funding remains problematic and would require evidence about costs and benefits.
Keywords: mother, babies, postnatal care, dwelling space, maternal support
©2026 Goodwach, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.