Maternal and infant welfare
Report
Healthy starts: the state of Australia’s child and family health service system
This report maps the experiences of families accessing the network of health services and supports in Australia available from the very beginning of pregnancy, through birth, and across the first 2,000 days of a child’s life. It identifies key system-wide barriers that prevent children and families from accessing high-quality, connected support.
Report
Australia's health 2026
The report presents the latest key findings and a selection of short topic-based narratives, offering insights into contemporary health and wellbeing issues in Australia. It charts the nations’ progress while also informing priorities for future improvement. It finds that 3 in 5 Australians live with at least one chronic condition.
Evaluation
Healthdirect Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Service review
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (PBB) is a national service providing support and information for expecting mothers and parents, families, and carers of children from birth to five years of age. Healthdirect Australia delivers PBB. This review of the service finds that as currently implemented, PBB does not support government policy directions.
Report
Perinatal mental health screening in Australia
This report brings together the latest perinatal mental health screening data from four state and territory health authorities and examines how these vary by maternal characteristics and behaviours, birth settings, and birth outcomes. It also identifies a lack of national data and the report suggests improving data reporting and integration is necessary, especially to support...
Report
Australia's mothers and babies
This report describes the pregnancy and birth experiences and outcomes of mothers and babies in Australia over time. Data cover the antenatal period, labour and birth, and outcomes for babies at birth, as well as stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths.