I’d like to talk briefly about postnatal care in the time of Covid - because I am witnessing, experiencing and hearing about worrying things, and none of us want to criticise the NHS at this time so it’s not really being mentioned publicly.

Women who gave birth in the pandemic are enormously grateful for the care they received. Experiences are also v different across country so I can only talk about what I know from myself and friends. But postnatal care is vital - for the mental and physical health of women

Where I live, a midwife calls you on the second day. No one sees you or the baby in person, unless you flag something seriously wrong, until day 5. There are no family members there, and you prob have no idea what you’re doing if you’re a first timer

You might have a surgical wound - either a c-section scar, or tearing or episiotomy. It might get infected, as happened to some I know, and that might not get flagged for a few days. But you muddle through, because it’s a pandemic and you need to do your bit

Health visitors, who normally visit your home, call you once in 1st month and ask about how you feel and how stable your home life is. I have no idea how many women who need help are actually getting it via this route. I know at least one person who said she was ok and wasn’t

At 6 weeks the GP normally sees you and checks how you are - mentally and physically. How your stitches healed, whether your ab muscles have separated, if you are sliding into depression or just knackered. Many women I know have been told this 6wk check doesn’t currently exist

There is, in my area, an 8wk check for the baby. More than one new mother I know asked if she could be assessed at that appointment and was told “this is strictly for the baby, not you”. So who does check us over?

I’ve been so lucky, I had one incredible midwife who went above and beyond, and came to our house in PPE yesterday to check on me and my baby. But she didn’t have to, that care isn’t currently standard. And GPs don’t seem to be seeing new mums, at least where I live

Are there any other new mums out there experiencing this? I’d like us to be able to talk about it because I worry that people who need help aren’t getting it. The NHS is amazing, and we have been flexible in the face of these changes, but this is a vulnerable time for women