How can we ensure good maternal care for all?
Healthwatch England publish what they have been hearing from people about maternity services
People who have used maternal health services told Healthwatch England what matters most.
Five themes stood out:
- The importance of feeling listened to
- Women need clear information to make decisions about their care
- The importance of continuity of care
- The importance of adequate staff and birthing facilities
- The impact of good and poor maternity care
"They hadn't read my notes, so weren't aware I'd had an emergency C-section or that I'd had gestational diabetes until I told them, which made me feel a bit of an afterthought. I definitely needed some postpartum anxiety support following a traumatic birth and some issues with a heel prick test result, but nothing was asked about or offered at the time, and I didn't know what help to ask for.”
Story shared with Healthwatch England
