‘Care is lost when you get jumbled around’: Aboriginal grandmothers and family perspectives of cultural continuity in healthcare as recipients of care in mainstream health services in South Australia

Aboriginal women and their infants face substantial health disparities compared to non-Aboriginal women and their infants. Timely, effective, and culturally appropriate maternal and child healthcare can address these inequalities. However, many Aboriginal women experience fear and anxiety when using mainstream healthcare services, leading to lower attendance at perinatal appointments, often due to inadequate communication, poor service coordination, and a lack of continuity in care. This research sought to explore factors that contribute to continuity of care and to consider service features that contribute to positive care experiences and satisfaction with care received by Aboriginal women and their infants. This qualitative study used yarning to explore the experiences and perceptions of care of nine Aboriginal families. Three main themes were identified: (1) Bringing culture to the centre of healthcare with subthemes; (2) Care is lost when you get jumbled around, and (3) In and out for check-ups, scans, and things—no one asked if I needed help. The findings of this research highlight a lack of continuity of care for Aboriginal families accessing mainstream health care services in South Australia, from the antenatal period through to an infants’ first 2000 days of life. This research identified strategies for enhancing continuity, enabling communities and healthcare services to provide appropriate and culturally safe care. By implementing culturally safe and appropriate care, health disparities can be reduced, maternal and child health outcomes may improve, and trust can be fostered between Aboriginal communities and mainstream healthcare services.