What mothers told us about healthcare
I couldn’t walk after having my baby but had to go to an appointment in the hospital four days after giving birth.
The arrival of a new baby is a significant life event for any family. It can be joyful and fulfilling but also challenging. Support from community services after leaving hospital can have a significant impact on parents’ experiences.
With a population spread out across the largest county in England, getting care right is extra challenging for the 5,000 births each year in North Yorkshire.
Healthwatch wanted to understand what the availability and quality of care is like from mothers and identify the areas where services can be improved, as well as champion what is working well.
We heard from 167 mothers who had given birth over an 18 month period.
Healthwatch based what good care looks like on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence' (NICE) evidence-based postnatal care guidelines.
What mums said about their care
Feedback shared with us said 52% would have liked more support
Mothers told us about their care, including physical recovery, mental health support, infant feeding, well-being and development, the quality, information provided and additional help received.
Most said the first visit from a midwife was at home - but then had to go back into hospital for follow ups.
"I was expected to be at York hospital one day post-delivery (this kept me out of the house for four hours with a brand-new baby) and Selby hospital three days post-delivery. Both times I had to sit in waiting rooms waiting for my appointments (which were late)."
Concerns were also raised over the number of appointments held over the phone or online.
"I refused an over the phone contact and said I wanted them to come out, but they refused to come out in person unless I had any concerns, so my baby hasn’t had the one- year check."
"I have no idea who I can speak to. The second appointment was on video. The call lasted 5 minutes maximum."
People also spoke about the support with breastfeeding, mental health and health visitors - with mixed experiences.
"I would have given up if it wasn’t for finding a breast feeding group myself."
"The health visitor was brilliant. I had continuity of care."
“I honestly would not be alive today without support from perinatal mental health and Home-Start UK.”
Where mums can go for local support
Having a baby can bring many positive feelings and experiences but can also be overwhelming and challenging. Getting the proper support is vital to help new mums and their babies stay well.
Mother and baby groups near you - where to go for help
Healthwatch and mums call for action
We want to help ensure every new mother and birthing parent receive the care they need and that it is of the highest quality.
Our recommendations cover:
- Tailor postnatal contact based on individual need.
- Improve the quality and frequency of postnatal visits.
- Address the gaps in GP check-ups.
- Improve support for mothers’ physical health recovery.
- Promote better mental health support.
- Strengthen feeding support services.
- Enhance infant well-being and development.
- Improve the information provided for mothers.
- Better promotion of additional support services.
Healthwatch appreciate that healthcare staff and services are under pressure, with many facing cutbacks. However, we want this to be an opportunity for them to respond to our recommendations and communicate the good work that is being done (or planned to happen) so that care is made better.
We have contacted decision-makers and those who commission services at North Yorkshire Council and the NHS services to reply to our recommendations.
Media coverage
Good news - the report has gained some media coverage:
- Concerns raised over support for new mums in Ryedale (Gazette & Herald)
- Concerns raised over level of support for new mothers in Scarborough and coastal areas (The Scarborough News)
- Women in North Yorkshire call for more support (Greatest Hits Radio)
And there’s been some coverage by the BBC on physical health of pregnant women and new mothers:
Responses
"This report is really interesting. I am not surprised by the findings. It is how it feels on the ground and what patients are saying; that postnatal care has eroded." GP, Pickering Medical Practice
"As a GP working in Selby for 20 years from when I started in 2004 to now, I have seen a real decline in the health visiting service . I used to be able to walk down the corridor and speak to a health visitor about our most complex children or with a mother struggling when I saw her in a postnatal check. I have no personal contact with Health visitors now. I don't even know who they are. Parents also describe a real change in what is offered. It’s very sad - and I do realise some of it is linked to funding." GP, Beech Tree Surgery
"I think a big gap is just some of those things like meeting other mothers, parent/toddler socialising groups. A lot are now charged for (and a lot!) so not accessible for some of the mums (and perhaps dads!) that would benefit from accessing such baby groups." Healthier Lives, North Yorkshire Council
"As a new Dad myself, I know how important mother and baby care and support is. Hopefully healthcare commissioners respond positively."
