100 signatures reached
To: Irish Government
Improve Post Natal Care For Women In Ireland
Under the Maternity & Infant Scheme which provides free ante natal and post-natal care to women in Ireland, women are offered one post-natal check-up at six weeks. This abrupt end to maternity care has the potential to be a huge barrier to women who need help with mental health concerns and more beyond the six-week check-up.
15-25% of Mothers in Ireland experience some form of depression in the first twelve months postnatally and peaks have been observed for depressive and stress symptoms at six and twelve-months post-partum. While statistics focus on numbers it is important to remember that these numbers represent real women, the mothers of Ireland who deserve to be cared for during the post-natal period.
The Maternity & Infant Scheme which has only been reviewed once in 1994, needs an urgent review with a focus on extending its coverage to include check-ups for women at three and twelve-months post-partum. It is largely agreed that women need longer than six weeks to recognise what is or isn’t normal for them and providing more appointments with healthcare professionals gives women the opportunities they need to raise concerns they may have.
Post-natal care, a critical component of maternal and child health, requires immediate and comprehensive attention. Ireland has one of the highest birth rates in Europe and so the need for robust post-natal care is more critical than ever.
The Government needs to:
- Conduct a thorough review of the current post-natal care services, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
- Allocate additional resources to ensure all new mothers receive the support they need, including mental health services, lactation consulting, and home visits by healthcare professionals.
- Enhance training for healthcare providers in post-natal care and ensure adequate staffing levels to meet the increasing demand.
- Develop and implement policies that support extended maternity leave and flexible working conditions for new parents, allowing them to prioritise their health and the well-being of their children.
Why is this important?
The health and well-being of mothers and their new-borns are fundamental to the fabric of our society. By prioritising post-natal care, we can ensure that every child gets the best start in life, and every mother receives the care and support she deserves.
Please join us in advocating for better post-natal care in Ireland by signing this petition.