Labour calls for year long postnatal mental health care
Labour calls for year long postnatal mental health care - The Labour Party
- Seanad backs Labour motion on maternal mental health
Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove has this afternoon welcomed the passage of a Labour motion in Seanad Éireann calling on the Government to urgently expand postnatal and maternal mental health supports, but warned that the vote will mean nothing unless it is followed by real action. The motion calls on the Minister for Health to commit to year long postnatal support, increased funding, improved access to mental health services and the roll out of community based supports so that every mother can recover, cope and thrive after childbirth.
Senator Cosgrove said:
“The passage of this motion is an important signal from the Seanad that six weeks of postnatal care is simply not enough, but warm words and carried motions will not change the reality for mothers unless the Government now acts. The period after childbirth is one of the most intense times of physical, emotional and psychological change a person can experience, yet the State continues to treat postnatal care as a short window rather than a critical year in a mother’s life.
“Right now, the maternity and infant care scheme provides for just two postnatal GP visits at two weeks and six weeks, along with a single public health nurse visit shortly after a mother returns home. That is not continuity of care. It is a cliff edge. For many women, the real challenges begin after those early weeks, when exhaustion, anxiety and depression can take hold, often in isolation and without support.
“We know that mothers need access to timely, affordable mental health support including counselling, therapy and peer support to address postnatal depression, burnout and anxiety. Instead, too many women face long waiting lists, high out of pocket costs or no services at all, particularly outside major cities. Initiatives like the Year of Care campaign have clearly highlighted the structural deficiencies in State provision and the consequences of a model that withdraws support just as mothers begin to need it most.
“When we fail mothers in the postnatal period, we fail babies, partners and families too. Maternal mental health shapes early bonding, family stability and long term wellbeing. Strong postnatal support improves outcomes for children and reduces pressure on health and social services in the years ahead. This is not a niche issue. It is a core public health issue that requires political leadership, sustained investment and follow through.
“The Seanad has now sent a clear message that the current approach is not fit for purpose, but the responsibility now rests squarely with the Minister for Health. Government must commit to a real expansion of postnatal services, including increased funding for maternal mental health, guaranteed access to counselling and therapy, routine postnatal check ups for up to one year after birth and the establishment of community based support networks throughout the State. Unless this vote is matched by concrete action, mothers will continue to be left to struggle alone once the initial appointments end, and that is a failure the Government can no longer ignore.”