Open petition: Fund universal emotional and practical postpartum support for mothers

Created by Elizabeth Revans
Closes on 30 March 2027

We want the Government to fund guaranteed, universal access to post-partum support for every mother during the first year of their baby’s life, including practical and emotional support for appropriately trained professionals such as Postnatal Doulas regardless of their ability to pay.

The transition into motherhood does not end a few weeks after birth. The first year can bring physical recovery, sleep deprivation, feeding difficulties, isolation and emotional overwhelm, yet ongoing practical support can be limited.

Postnatal doulas are trained to support families during this period but are usually privately funded. We believe post-partum support should be funded and offered to every mother without means testing. The mother and her postnatal doula or appropriately trained professional should jointly determine the type, frequency and length of continued support required, based on her individual circumstances. This support should complement existing NHS maternity and health visiting services.

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