Spinal Injuries: Women
(asked on 11th December 2024) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that women with spinal cord injuries receive adequate postnatal support including (a) breast feeding assistance and (b) tailored rehabilitation services.
The Government will prioritise women’s health, placing women’s equality at the heart of our agenda and ensuring women’s health is never again neglected. According to NHS England’s guidance, all women who have given birth should be offered a check-up with their general practice six to eight weeks after giving birth. The check-up will cover a range of topics such as mental health, physical recovery, breastfeeding, and support with family planning. NHS England is also rolling out perinatal pelvic health services to reduce rates of perineal tears, and maternal mental health services to provide additional mental health support and improve outcomes for women.
We know that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mother and baby. The Government is committed to achieving the healthiest generation of children ever, and central to this is our commitment to give every baby the best start in life. This includes helping families to achieve their breastfeeding goals. It is important that all families are supported to make the right choice for them and have prompt and easy access to high-quality advice and services to help them achieve their infant feeding goals.
The Department is working closely with 75 local authorities across England to improve their infant feeding services, including breastfeeding support, through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. These services are helping families to access face-to-face and virtual infant feeding support whenever they need it, and in a location that suits them. This could be at home, in their family hub, or in a hospital setting.
We want to build on the actions that local areas are already taking through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme to improve their infant feeding services. At a national level, families across the United Kingdom can access round-the-clock support and advice on breastfeeding through the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
The Department recognises the profound impact that spinal injuries can have on an individual and their loved ones, and the importance of early access to high-quality neurorehabilitation. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced guidance on rehabilitation after traumatic injury, which includes specific recommendations regarding rehabilitation for those with spinal injuries. Further information is available at the following link: