Shortage of midwives means some women get more postnatal visits than others

Almost two-thirds of new mothers feel let down by the NHS after giving birth, according to a report. In some places women get three postnatal visits at home, while in neighbouring areas new mothers will see a midwife just once. The report from the National Federation of Women’s Institutes and NCT said the vast majority of maternity units are having to cope with shortages of midwives.
Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the NCT, said ‘We are extremely concerned about the shockingly high number of women who have been let down by their maternity care.
‘It is equally worrying to see that the level of care given to parents varies so significantly by postcode.’
Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said ‘We are 5000 midwives short in England. Without enough midwives to cope with the increasing demands on maternity services I fear that we will not see the situation depicted in this report improving.
‘Postnatal care has been an area of concern for some time. This is a vitally important period for women who need support, guidance and advice when they return home after giving birth. Too often resources are taken away from this key area leading to fewer visits by midwives and less contact with them for women."
2 May 2013 The Daily Mail

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