Maternity experiences
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Healthwatch Darlington engaged sixteen new mothers who have recently used maternity services using a survey which ran from the end of June to the beginning of August 2021.
The research was carried out to provide a snapshot of maternity experiences in the last 12 months, capturing antenatal, perinatal, and post-natal care. Survey responses were compared to the findings from a survey carried out by Healthwatch Darlington in 2017 and demonstrate an overall trend of worsening experiences of maternity services over time.
Some key findings include a reduction in the rating of ‘very good’ for antenatal services and care during and after giving birth of 50%. Ratings of ‘unsatisfactory’ increase across all three services.
Results are considered alongside evidence from County Durham and Darlington Maternity Voices in Partnership. The data from MVP highlights the importance of good communications and the exacerbation of concerns and anxieties for pregnant women and new mothers as a result of the pandemic.
Recommendations include effective and timely person-centred communication pathways; effective planning and communication around service operational issues; and attention to staff attitudes.