Labor senator pushes national inquiry into postpartum health after sharing personal struggles

Labor senator Marielle Smith opened up about the severe breastfeeding problems and anxiety she faced following the birth of her son Benjamin, citing recurring mastitis and painful latching attempts. She says the experience highlighted how postpartum care in Australia often depends on geography and personal finances, noting she could afford nearly $1,000 for a lactation consultant in Adelaide. Smith is now urging the Senate to approve a select committee that would spend a year gathering testimony from women and families about physical health, mental wellbeing, infant feeding and allied services.

The inquiry would travel nationwide, covering both urban and regional communities, and produce recommendations for Commonwealth, state and territory health systems. Smith hopes the process will break stigma, give mothers a platform, and drive reforms similar to a previous menopause and reproductive-health inquiry that led to a $792.9 million women's health package.