COVID-19 disruption demands innovation in post-birth care

The current disruptions to, and adaptations of, the health system in response to COVID-19 are an opportunity for a seriously strengthened primary care response to the common problems parents face after the birth of their baby - if we are serious about cost-effective protection of infant developmental outcomes and maternal mental health. This conversation between two Australian GPs addresses telehealth and the urgent need for government to invest in primary care including in post-birth care. Breastfeeding and unsettled infant behaviour problems are subject to widespread inappropriate medicalisation and expensive use of tertiary outpatient visits and residential admissions, in the absence of a co-ordinated, evidence-based, primary care response. Dr Wendy Burton is Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' Antenatal and Postnatal Specific Interest Group (maternity-matters.com.au). Associate Professor (Adjunct) Pamela Douglas is founder of the evidence-based Neuroprotective Developmental Care (or 'Possums') programs (possumsonline.com) and author of The discontented little baby book: all you need to know about feeds, sleep, and crying.