‘Worrying shortfalls’ exposed in maternity services

In May, Ministers promised new mothers that they would have one midwife who would oversee their care, a one-to-one midwife during labour and birth and a choice over how and where they have their babies.

But a survey by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and Bounty Parenting Club of over 1,800 women who were pregnant or recently gave birth in England shows “worrying shortfalls”, said campaigners.

The research found that 18 per cent of women did not believe they were fully supported during their labour and birth – accounting for as many as 120,000 women in England each year.

And a fifth of women said they did not have a choice over how or where they gave birth.

Almost half of women (47 per cent) said they would have liked more time with their midwife during pregnancy.

Ministers also promised to support women after they gave birth, with special care for those suffering from postnatal depression. But a third of women said they did not feel supported after their child was born.

The RCM said the data showed that while some progress has been made, the Government “has a lot of ground to make up to meet its promises” on maternity services in England.

RCM chief executive Cathy Warwick said: “The Government says it is committed to providing better maternity care and we endorse the pledges they have made.

“However, actions speak louder than words and this survey shows that there are many challenges ahead to ensure their promises are delivered across England.

“It throws up many areas of concern and highlights the pressing need for sustained investment in maternity services and in midwives.”

Elizabeth Duff, senior policy adviser for parenting charity NCT, said: “NCT asks the Government to ensure its own evidence-based policy is 100 per cent in place by bringing midwifery staffing up to the appropriate levels and providing access to care in a midwifery-led unit for every healthy woman with a straightforward pregnancy.”

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, added: “This important survey demonstrates clearly that more progress can and should be made to improve patient experiences of maternity services.

“There is a real opportunity for targeted investment in training and numbers of midwives.”