Maternity listening service

The listening service gives you time to talk about your labour or birth in a safe and respectful space.

The service is for mums and their partners.

You will talk to a midwife or consultant, based on your needs.

During a session we encourage you to:

• discuss your birth
• share how you feel
• ask questions about what happened
• understand the treatments you needed
• understand the decisions made during your birth.

You can ask for support when you're ready.

Most people will have a session about six weeks after birth, but there is no time limit.

You book a session at any time:

• after your baby is born
• or during a current pregnancy.

Your session can take place:

• in hospital
• or online from home.

You may find a session useful if you:

• want to understand what happened during your labour or birth
• are planning to get pregnant again after a difficult birth
• are feeling upset, anxious, or distressed about your birth.

This listening service is not a counselling service.

It cannot be used to raise a formal complaint. Read how to raise a formal complaint.

Most people will have one appointment.

Each appointment takes about one hour.

You can bring a partner, family member, or another support person.

Together, we will discuss:

• your maternity notes
• what happened and why
• your feelings after birth
• other services for help and support, if you need it.

There will be lots of time to ask questions.

Your feedback may also help us improve our care for other families.

It will help you to write down your thoughts first:

• what do you remember about your labour or birth?
• how did it make you feel?
• do you have any other questions for us?

You can share your notes:

• with the Mum and baby app birth reflections personalised care and support plan
• by email to the listening service team before the session
• or bring your notes with you.

You can refer yourself to the listening service:

• by email to the listening service team
• or through the Mum and baby app.

Your GP or midwife, or hospital consultant can also refer you.