General practitioner disaster support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children: findings from the Babies and Young Children in the Black Summer (BiBS) study

Background and objective Pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children are vulnerable during the disasters that commonly impact Australia. The aim of this paper is to explore the challenges faced by these groups during and after the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and identify how general practitioners (GPs) can provide support. Methods Caregivers of children aged 0-4 years who experienced the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, and emergency responders who had supported families during this and other emergencies, were surveyed and interviewed. Results A total of 256 parents and 63 emergency responders were surveyed or interviewed. Disaster challenges faced by pregnant women and families with infants and young children were identified related to preparedness, response and recovery, as well as specific health and medical issues. Discussion GPs can support the health and wellbeing of pregnant women and families with young children before, during and after disasters in many ways. Greater integration of GPs into emergency planning is needed.