Local Assembly Member Paul Davies is backing the ‘Fight for a Fair Start’ campaign led by the NSPCC. Mr Davies met with representatives of the NSPCC recently to discuss ways in which mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth can be better addressed in Wales.
Mr Davies said, “It’s absolutely crucial that babies are given the best possible start in life – and one way to do that is by ensuring that all women and their families are able to access a mother and baby unit that meet national standards. We also need to make sure that all health boards in Wales have dedicated perinatal mental health midwives and health visitors to help identify and support women and their families affected by poor maternal mental health. It’s estimated that up to 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth and so it’s vital that the best possible support is made available to parents at the right time. I’m proud to support this worthwhile cause and I’ll be doing all that I can to see the Welsh health service better resourced so that all children get a fair start in life.”