Episode 2: Postnatal health: The myths and truths about ‘Bouncing back’

Episode Summary:

This episode of the Bounceback Mum Podcast delves into the critical issue of postnatal care in England, examining the challenges faced by new mothers and exploring potential solutions for improvement. Host Priya Chauhan-Kukadia, leads a discussion with experts Lisa Hastie, a pelvic health physiotherapist, and Mari-Carmen, a mother of three and founder of the Fitmama app.

Key Findings:

• Physical and emotional toll: The episode highlights the significant physical and emotional changes women experience during and after pregnancy, emphasizing the impact on their overall well-being.
• Inadequate postnatal care: The current state of postnatal care in England is described as "scanty and inadequate," with reference to research and surveys that reveal fragmentation of care, poor communication between healthcare professionals, and insufficient advice.
• The six-week check: The six-week postnatal check, a cornerstone of postpartum care in the NHS, is criticized for being "not fit for purpose." Mothers report feeling rushed, unheard, and unsupported during these appointments.
• Lack of holistic support: The episode reveals a lack of comprehensive support for new mothers, particularly in areas such as pelvic floor health, mental health, and practical guidance on recovery.
• Disparities in access: Research suggests that young mothers, those who experience preterm birth, and those in deprived areas are less likely to receive adequate postnatal care, highlighting disparities in access.

Expert Opinions:

• Lisa Hastie: Hastie emphasizes the importance of a gradual return to exercise and proper pelvic floor care to prevent long-term complications. She also highlights the link between physical health issues and postnatal depression, advocating for a holistic approach to care.
• Mari Carmen: Carmen discusses the challenges she faced as a new mother and the motivation behind creating the Fitmama app, which aims to provide comprehensive support for mothers. She advocates for greater accessibility to resources and improved communication between healthcare providers.

Important links:

Lisa Hastie: https://www.harbornephysio.co.uk/amazing-physiotherapists.php?page=lisa-hastie

Mari-Carmen: https://www.maricarmenfitness.com/

NICE guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng194

6 - 8 week check: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/gp-six-to-eight-week-maternal-postnatal-consultation-what-good-looks-like-guidance/

Episode 1: This episode issues a trigger warning: Descriptions of difficult birth, death and mistreatment

Giving birth can be one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life, yet the long-term effects of this trauma on millions of new mothers remain largely overlooked. This episode explores the issue of birth trauma and examines how women and families have been systematically failed by the care systems meant to support them. Until recently, birth trauma has been normalized and largely ignored.

It took the traumatic birth experience of a member of parliament to bring this issue to light in the very place where law and policy are made in the UK. Remarkably, this was the first time in history that the experiences of women giving birth were discussed in this context.

In this episode, we delve into the definition of birth trauma, the widespread impact it has, and ways to better understand it. We speak to Kim Thomas, CEO of Birth trauma Association to learn more about the evidence and what more needs to change.

Can we really find a meaningful way to prevent birth trauma for future generations?

Helpful links:

https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/

https://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/birth-trauma-report

https://masic.org.uk/

https://birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/human-rights-in-maternity-care/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/feedback-and-complaints/complaint/