We call upon the Government to fund routine blood testing for all post-partum mothers as a mandatory component of the 6–8 week postnatal check.

Some symptoms of postnatal depression can actually be due to physical issues such as anaemia or thyroid dysfunction. By correcting these biological imbalances, we believe that we can ensure mothers are physically and mentally equipped to care for their babies during the critical postpartum period. While the NHS provides extensive prenatal checks for the baby, the lack of similar investment in maternal recovery is in our view a type of health inequality. When a mother’s health and wellbeing is considered and supported; her entire family benefits.