Listen to Mums
Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care
14 May 2024
As a child-rights programme supporting the improvement of care for mothers and babies in the UK health system, we know that how a mother experiences birth, and the support received throughout and afterwards, has a huge impact on the health of mother and baby, as well as the relationship between babies, mothers, parents and families.
The horrific accounts from parents highlighted in the Listen to Mums: Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma – including those describing the lack of support for breastfeeding – are unacceptable. Birth trauma and poor breastfeeding experiences are inextricably linked. Combined with a lack of access to compassionate care from a trained health care professional, this can be in devastating for families.
If we are to see a reduction in birth trauma and improvements in the health and wellbeing of babies and mothers, UK maternity services must be prioritised and the Government must invest in high quality and equitable care.
The enormous response from parents to this inquiry shows the scale of this issue, and must lead to an overhaul of maternity care.
Access the Listen to Mums: Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma here