Childbirth-related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Baroness O'Loan Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the noble Lord heard in my response to my noble friend, that is exactly one of the points of focus. He is aware that, following portfolio changes, I am very specifically the Minister for Women’s Health and Maternity—there is a very special reason for that: to give that area focus—but I am also responsible for early years. The combination of all those things will be crucial. I emphasise that there are several touch points at which women vulnerable to and experiencing PTSD can be helped, supported and assessed, but we are not necessarily using them correctly. That is where I will be focusing.

[Baroness O'Loan (CB)]

My Lords, I would like to ask the Minister about two issues. First, has any research been done on the effect of early discharge on the subsequent development of PTSD after a traumatic birth? Mothers are now routinely sent home from hospital within hours of giving birth, which leaves them very little recovery time, particularly when they are going home to difficult family circumstances. The second issue is the wider context of education. When mothers have a baby and are having things such as flashbacks about the birth, they can be afraid that they are going mad. If they are afraid to declare these things and are unable to articulate them, they will continue to try to work with them, and we will end up with a situation in which very tragic events can occur. There is a need, even today, for wider education for women about the fact that, when you go home with your new baby, particularly your first baby, you do not necessarily have to find that you can do everything perfectly and that, where you have serious mental health issues, you must be able to seek help.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is right to say that, and that there is no shame in seeking mental health support. The most recent CQC maternity survey showed an upward trend in women accessing mental health services, which may reassure her. Just last year, there was an upward trend in respondents being offered mental health support. Some 90% were offered it, so the offer is there. I also feel it is being offered in a way that normalises it, which is important. It is also important to reduce the situations in which a traumatic birth may take place. We must hang on to that. As the noble Baroness said, education is part of that more positive way forward in supporting mothers and babies.