Brief Report. A qualitative study of maternal mental health services in New Zealand: Perspectives of Maori and Pacific mothers and midwives

Objectives Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in New Zealand particularly amongst Maori and Pacific. We explored current maternal mental health (MMH) screening practices and supports. Methods Qualitative research included interviews and focus groups with maternity carers and mothers of Maori and Pacific descent. Thematic analysis used a general inductive approach. Results Both mothers and carers reported that MMH screening is ad hoc and discussed multilevel barriers that hamper screening and access to supports. Conclusion There are gaps in MMH services, and service improvements need to be targeted at patient, provider, and systems levels.