Many women experience poor support after giving birth. Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, is expected to unveil new maternity strategy next month.

'No one cared about me and my baby' - Sunday Telegraph

Extracts:

"The hours and days after childbirth are among the most difficult in a woman's life, so why is the NHS so bad at providing support? David Harrison uncovers a tale of over-stretched staff and bureaucratic arrogance

Karen Linnett was "exhausted and anxious" after giving birth to Billy, two years ago. "He was my first child. I was in pain, hormonal and nervous that I couldn't cope," she says. Six days later, when she left hospital to take Billy home to Hampstead, north London, she was soothed by an assurance that a community midwife would visit her next morning.

But the midwife didn't turn up. Ms Linnett, a photographer, became worried. Concerned that Billy was not feeding properly, she rang to ask what was happening. There was no answer. She left messages. Hours later she was told no one would come for four days. "I lost it," she says. "I was shouting at them hysterically because I was scared."

A midwife was found and she finally arrived at 7pm. "When she weighed Billy, the scales showed he had lost weight," says Ms Linnett, 43. "But she told me not to worry because the scales were inaccurate.""

"The Government admits that the situation is unacceptable. Next month Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, is expected to unveil a new maternity strategy that will guarantee every woman a named midwife to care for her throughout her pregnancy and during labour, helped by a maternity support worker."

During pregnancy it is a good idea for women to minimise their salt intake. This will limit any excess weight gain and will lower the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems. - See http://www.wildeaboutsteroids.co.uk/pregnant_mothers.html