For families living in rural and remote areas

Parenting in rural and remote areas

Starting a family in a rural and remote area can feel tough. There are common emotional challenges that come with having a baby, as well as other challenges, like being far away from family, friends and support.

It may feel like you need to get through the tough times on your own. But with the right support you and your baby can have the best start possible.

Your support options in rural and remote areas

Talking to someone about how to get support can be a good first step. It might be your family, friends, Elders, kin or someone else in your community. You might also be able to see a GP or health worker who understands your culture if there’s one nearby.

Living far away from health care and services

Living in a rural and remote area might mean you need to travel a long way to:

• get routine health care during or after pregnancy
• see a GP, specialist or get help in an emergency
• get certain medicines or treatments
• have your baby in a maternity hospital.

When you can’t see a health professional in person, you may be able to talk to them on the phone or a video call. If you don’t have a good internet connection, your nearest health facility may be able to help you connect. Learn more about virtual care and telehealth appointments.

You may be able to see visiting health professionals who fly in and fly out. For example, the Royal Flying Doctor Service or maternal and child health outreach teams.

Many communities have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and midwives who understand local culture. There might also be an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) in your area who shares local health information by radio.

We have information to help you understand the levels of maternity health care at Queensland public hospitals and health centres. This can help you work out which public hospitals offer birthing and maternity care.

You can learn more about our rural and remote health services on the Queensland Government website.

Being away from family and community support

Living in a rural and remote community can feel hard when you're far from family and friends. Sometimes it can feel even more challenging when you're pregnant or have a young baby.

It might also be hard to phone people, video call, or chat online if your mobile or internet service isn't good.

The following suggestions may help if you’re feeling alone, separated from your culture or community, or need more support or information.

Attend a mobile playgroup

Being part of a playgroup can help you feel connected. Call Play matters Australia on 1800 007 529 and ask about playgroups in your area. They also have virtual playgroups. There are also mobile playgroups that visit rural and remote areas, such as Uniting Care Outback Playgroups. Some sessions are free or low cost.

Connecting in your community

Connecting with people in your community at places such as the library, park or shops is a great way to support your wellbeing. Regular small interactions can often turn into supportive relationships over time. You may also be able to meet people through local events.

If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, your family and community relationships may be a big part of parenting. Yarning and walking on country are good ways to connect with your culture and community.

Use the internet or radio to connect with people

Email, texts, digital support groups and chats can help you stay connected and get practical or emotional support. If you have poor internet service at home, find out if there’s somewhere nearby where you can send messages and get information online.

Using a UHF CB radio to call neighbours or listening to community radio can also help you stay connected.

Help with money and time pressures

It costs more to buy things in a rural or remote community. You may also need to wait a long time to get things you need, like nappies, breast pumps, baby formula or medicine.

If you're able to buy in bulk, it can help you prepare for these challenges. Some people find it helps to keep extra supplies of things they'll need on hand. If you run out of something that you or your baby needs to stay well, talk to your nearest health service about emergency supplies.

Travelling to get health care is also costly. You may be eligible for supported accommodation or travel subsidies if you or your baby need health care away from home. Some GPs offer telehealth services and may be able to give you an electronic prescription or send it to your nearest pharmacy.

You can also check with Services Australia to learn if you’re eligible for government payments and financial support.

Your privacy and mental health stigma

It's common for people with mental health challenges to worry about their privacy and what other people may think.

Getting help in a small community can sometimes mean other people find out things you don't want them to know about. For example, if a neighbour sees you talking to a mental health worker, they might guess that you’re not doing well. If you're worried about this, it may help to:

• ask for a telehealth appointment
• see a remote or visiting health professional who isn't part of your community
• talk to a private psychologist or another health professional online.

If you want to remain anonymous, you can also call a helpline for support with your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Past experiences such as trauma can make it hard to feel safe talking to health professionals. You might worry they won't understand and respect your culture or protect your privacy. If you feel like this, it might help to talk to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker or liaison officer.

What you say to a health professional is private. Only the people involved in your health care can see your health records, such as health professionals and administrative support staff.

In a crisis or emergency

If you're having thoughts about harming yourself or your child, or you feel unable to cope, call:

• Triple Zero (000)
• 13YARN (13 92 76)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Suicide Call Back (1300 659 467)
• 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255)

For help with domestic, family and sexual violence call 1800 737 732. You can also talk to someone online, by text message or video call on the 1800RESPECT website.

Services that can support you

Search our directory to connect with perinatal mental health supports and services.

You can also find specific help for people in rural and remote areas on the Dear Mind website.