From ''mum's the word'' to ''mums are heard'': How speaking up has improved postnatal care
In May 2024, Healthwatch published Mothers’ Reflections on Community Postnatal Care. This report was driven by experiences of women across North Yorkshire. Mothers told us about the challenges they faced during their postnatal period, including:
- Limited in-person support from health visitors and midwives
- Gaps in continuity of care between professionals
- Concerns about mental health, pelvic health and wound care
- Lack of clear information on where to seek help
Their stories made it clear that postnatal care needed to be more personal, consistent and supportive.
Why postnatal care matters
Postnatal care is a vital yet often under-appreciated component of the maternity journey. Many mothers face significant physical, emotional, and informational gaps in the weeks and months after childbirth:
- One in four mothers experiences mental health challenges during or after pregnancy (Sources: NHS England and The Times)
- Almost 90 percent of mothers report at least one health issue in the first six weeks after birth (Source: World Health Organization)
- Only 60 percent of women saw or spoke to a midwife as often as they wanted after birth (Source: Care Quality Commission Maternity Survey 2023–2024)
- Locally, many mothers told us they needed more face-to-face support, better information and continuity of care.
Because of these realities, improving postnatal care isn't optional - its essential.
Turning mothers' feedback into action
Thanks to what you told us, Healthwatch North Yorkshire’s report has already triggered meaningful change across the county
- We presented findings to influential networks, including the Children and Young People Partners Network, the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and CareParnership's Experience of Care Forum, and many Maternity Voices Partnerships
- Our work reached local and regional newspapers and radio, raising awareness about gaps in postnatal care and the urgent need for better support.
- Primary care services has committed to training sessions for doctors and practice staff on postnatal care. These sessions will reinforce the importance of in-person checks for mothers at six to eight weeks.
(Primary care includes general practitioners, practice nurses, and health visitors. These are the frontline services that are often the first point of contact when families need health advice or care.)
Postnatal care changes lives
Better postnatal care supports mothers, babies, and families in tangible ways. Our infographic captures the key findings at a glance — click below to see the full picture:
Below are some of the concrete improvements now underway:
Stronger mental health support
- Health visitors now offer therapeutic “listening visits” for mothers experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. These are one-to-one sessions where a trained professional provides emotional support and practical advice over several weeks.
- Maternity services have also strengthened their links with specialist perinatal mental health teams, making it easier for mothers to access more intensive help if they need it.
Better joined-up care from hospitals
- Hospitals are improving continuity of care so mothers see fewer different healthcare professionals, reducing reducing stress and repetition.
- Communication between midwives and health visitors is being tightended to ensure vitalinformation is shared quickly and accurately.
- Postnatal visits are being reviewed to ensure they meet national best practice and are tailored to each mother’s needs.
Specialist pelvic health support
- Hospitals that come under Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust launched a dedicated perinatal pelvic health service and appointed a specialist pelvic health midwife
- Pelvic health clinics now provide physiotherapy, exercise guidance, and treatment support for incontinence, prolapse, and other postnatal issues
Free access to the Squeezy app
- All mothers can now use the Squeezy app for free. This NHS-approved app supports pelvic floor exercises, helping women recover strength and prevent future health problems.
Support for healing after birth
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has offered better information for recovery and wound healing. This is a clear step-by-step plan that health professionals follow to ensure caesarean or tear wounds heal properly.
- It includes advice on cleaning, when to remove stitches or staples, what to watch for in case of infection, and when to seek extra help.
“The care that I received during my pregnancy, during labour and after birth was outstanding. My mental health declined rapidly during pregnancy and I received the most incredible care from the team."
"Thank you for helping me. I do not think I would have made it through the other side without your support. I’m forever grateful.”
What this means for families
Mothers in North Yorkshire are beginning to see real differences:
- Better pelvic health support, including specialist clinics, physiotherapy access and free digital resources
- More face-to-face contact for families, particularly those who need it most
- Stronger continuity of care, reducing the stress of repeated explanations
- Easier access to clear and practical information - online, in print and in multiple languages.
Healthwatch volunteers have also created useful resources for parents, including mother and baby groups that they can go to for support, as well as details of support services such as pelvic health clinics and breastfeeding support services.
What happens next?
Healthwatch recognise that change has begun, but the journey is far from over. Over the coming months, Healthwatch North Yorkshire will continue to:
- Monitor service delivery of the recommendations in our report, ensuring promises become real changes
- Share mothers’ experiences directly with NHS leaders and decision-makers so that voices remain central to improvement
- Advocate for stronger continuity of care, so women see fewer different professionals and feel a more consistent support relationship
- Push for faster access to perinatal mental health services, with clearer referral pathways and reduced waiting lists
- Champion equity in postnatal care so families in rural or underserved areas are not left behind
- Call for more support for partners and extended families, recognizing everyone involved in baby care benefits from guidance and emotional support
- Demand clearer, consistent information for parents—in person, online, and in print—and accessible in different languages
- Keep creating opportunities for mothers to provide feedback on their care, so services continue to learn and evolve
"I felt heard and seen and as though the nurses, doctors and midwives genuinely cared about me, my wellbeing and the baby."
