Calls for more focus on postpartum healthcare

Councillors are set to write to the HSE highlighting the need for more postnatal services following a fully-supported motion on the matter by Cllr Áine Smith (FF) during the November meeting of Cavan County Council.

“The period after childbirth is extremely challenging,” said Cllr Smith before adding that, in the process of experiencing strong hormonal, physical and emotional changes, “there is very limited care for the newborn in a changed family unit and all of this on limited sleep for the mother”.

“The Irish Government provides all babies with free extensive checks, appointments and care but new mothers receive one mother and baby checkup at six weeks and that is it.

“Many postpartum conditions cause considerable suffering in a woman’s daily life long after birth, both emotionally and physically, and yet they are under-appreciated, under-recognised and under-recorded."

Cllr Smith referenced models of care in other EU countries.

“When we look at The Netherlands and Belgium, postpartum planning begins at around 34 weeks; in Spain mothers receive a passport, which enables them to check in with a community midwife monthly. In Ireland women have final checkups six weeks after the birth usually with their GP when it is assumed that her body has returned to normal. This is the case for some women who stay healthy and well but it is not the case for a considerable portion of women.”

Cllr Smith went on to highlight pelvic health as a matter of importance. “Pelvic health, for example, is one of the cornerstones of French healthcare and every mother receives subsidised physiotherapy to help strengthen her pelvic floor,” she continued.

“The lack of physiological and psychological postpartum care is problematic in Ireland. If Irish women want a comprehensive, physical postpartum evaluation, they must seek one for themselves and pay for it privately. Appropriate care for women in the weeks and months after childbirth would, in the long term, ensure a better and faster recovery, a quicker return to normal life, and enable them to work outside of the home.

“It would mean less chance of suffering from postpartum depression and save money in the healthcare system in the long run. There is also a lack of education and misinformation around postpartum women, which means that families, relatives and friends often do the same and this can result in a situation made worse for a new mother.”

Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) the provided her full support to the motion. “There are a lot of mother & baby groups out there and this provides great psychological and emotional support for new mothers,” she added.

“But the physical care is a completely different matter and all women get over birth at a different pace and range, particularly after C-section, where a woman is not allowed to drive for six weeks after the surgery. C-section is major and it could take up to 14 weeks to heal after it.”

In conclusion, Cllr Brendan Fay added: “I think that mothers are not taken care of enough. I fully support this motion.