Maternal Mental Health Care – What's Your Experience?
Pregnancy is generally portrayed – and for many is – a joyous time. But this presentation can also mask the lived reality for many people who struggle mentally during and after pregnancy. For this reason, Healthwatch England has launched a national survey to gauge the mental healthcare experiences of mothers and birthing parents.
With one in four women experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and in the first year following the birth of a child, support from maternity services can significantly impact their mental health and wellbeing.
The survey aims to better understand what is working and what needs improving for people who develop mental health difficulties relating to their maternity experience. Healthwatch England is particularly keen to hear from people who:
- Have been pregnant in the last two years and have experienced mental health difficulties before, during or after giving birth.
- Women from ethnic minority communities and LGBTQ+ birthing parents.
Healthwatch England's most recent research showed a worsening view of maternity services, and the organisation wants to use the survey to give people the opportunity to share their views and experiences.
Everything you say is confidential and will help Healthwatch England and the NHS understand what they need to put in place to better support people like you.
So whether you had a positive or negative experience with mental health support during or after pregnancy, they want to hear it.
