Overcoming sociocultural barriers to the use of maternal and neonatal health services

Many Indonesian women encounter social barriers that inhibit access to maternal and neonatal healthcare, such as pregnancy taboos that discourage women from leaving the home during late pregnancy and myths regarding immunisation. This case study explores the care of a 22-year-old primigravid woman using a midwifery continuity of care model from the second trimester to the postnatal period, through home visits, health centre visits and telehealth, conducted via WhatsApp. This approach provided continuous communication and delivered education that respected the woman's cultural background, enabling her to attend third-trimester antenatal care and choose to use 3-month injectable postpartum contraception. However, full infant immunisation was not achieved because of family beliefs. This case highlights how continuity of care improved maternal service use, while also underscoring the need for women's empowerment, family involvement and stakeholder collaboration to overcome sociocultural barriers.