Survey highlights gaps in post and antenatal care

A UK survey of 3,508 mothers’ experiences of maternity services by website Netmums.com, the parenting website, and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), has revealed critical gaps in postnatal care and an absence of NHS-funded antenatal classes.

It also revealed a shortage of midwives providing continuous one-to-one care for women during labour, resulting in many mothers being left alone. The survey revealed that almost half of mothers, 43 per cent, felt that after giving birth and on a postnatal ward they did not have access to a midwife.

Nearly a third, 30 per cent, were also not offered NHS-provided antenatal classes. During labour or shortly after giving birth, more than a third of mothers, 35 per cent, reported they had been left alone when they felt worried.

Key Results:
• 30% were not offered free antenatal classes
• 35% reported being left alone at a time when they were worried
during labour
• 43% did not have sufficient access to a midwife in a postnatal ward
More positive results included:
• 83% had the name and telephone number of a midwife in case
they were worried
• 78% felt involved in decisions during labour

The survey’s findings are released on the eve of the RCM’s annual conference, which begins on November 26th at Manchester Central. Its findings will be highlighted at the conference.