In April 2026, the Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) hosted a Maternal Mental Health Listening Event, bringing together mothers, families, healthcare professionals and community organisations from Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. The event created a safe and supportive space for honest conversations about maternity care, postnatal experiences and maternal mental health.
Through focus groups and discussions, families shared both positive experiences and areas where support could be improved, particularly around communication, emotional wellbeing and postnatal care.
Communication Matters
One of the strongest themes across all boroughs was the importance of clear, compassionate communication throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Many parents said they wanted more realistic information about labour, induction, recovery and neonatal care. Some described feeling overwhelmed during emotionally difficult moments, especially when explanations felt rushed or inconsistent. Others highlighted how calm, understanding staff made a huge difference to their confidence and overall experience.
Parents also called for:
- Better signposting to mental health and community support services
- More accessible information formats, including videos and lived-experience stories
- Clearer explanations during labour and emergency situations
The Reality of Postnatal Support
A recurring concern was the drop in support after leaving hospital.
Many mothers described feeling isolated once they returned home, particularly during the early weeks of parenthood. Families said they would value more follow-up calls, emotional wellbeing checks and practical guidance around feeding, recovery and newborn care.
Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger connections between hospital teams and community services to ensure families do not feel unsupported after discharge.
Maternal Mental Health Cannot Be an Afterthought
Mental health support was discussed in every focus group. While some parents praised proactive referrals and supportive midwives, others felt emotional wellbeing conversations were rushed or treated as a “tick-box” exercise.
Families emphasised that:
- Mental health support should be offered routinely
- Support should continue beyond birth
- Access to therapy and specialist services needs to improve
- Compassionate, non-judgemental care is essential
Several mothers also spoke about the emotional impact of traumatic births, pregnancy loss and neonatal experiences, highlighting the need for ongoing emotional support.
The Power of Peer Support
Parents repeatedly described peer support as invaluable.
From breastfeeding groups to neonatal parent communities, families said connecting with others who had similar experiences helped reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety. Participants expressed interest in more lived-experience-led antenatal education, neonatal-specific support groups and community-based wellbeing spaces.
Looking Ahead
The event reinforced the importance of listening to lived experience when shaping maternity and neonatal services. Families want care that feels personalised, compassionate and consistent particularly during vulnerable moments.
The insights gathered will help inform ongoing improvements across local maternity and neonatal services, with a continued focus on communication, mental health support, continuity of care and stronger community connections.
If you’d like to get involved, share your experiences, or find out about our upcoming listening events, you can contact the MNVP team: mnvptwn@cbplus.org.uk
You can also learn more about MNVP, our local priorities and upcoming listening events by visiting our webpage:
