Episode 2- Birth Reflections- Supporting Maternal Emotional Wellbeing

In episode 2, Ms Gillian Walsh and Alex Campbell, Senior Midwives from CUMH sit with Dr Doireann O' Leary to highlight the positive impact the Birth Reflections service can have for women in the post natal period.

Perinatal events may affect women in different ways. The research and evidence advocates supporting the emotional wellbeing of the mother, and this may have a positive impact on neonatal mental health in the longer term. The National Maternity Experience Survey (2020) reported that 30% of women did not have a chance to discuss their birth. We acknowledge that women can have an individual and subjective reaction to a birth experience. Healthcare professionals may not identify or recognise their experience as being a cause of confusion or upset.

At the Birth reflections service, we support mothers to feel heard and respected in a friendly environment where they can reflect on any aspect of their perinatal experience.

Feedback from mothers who have used the service speaks to its positive impact. One mother shared that after accessing the Birth Reflections Service at CUMH, "I felt I got a lot of closure on issues I had," encouraging friends to engage with the service as well.