New Labour MP Laura Kyrke-Smith plans to address parliament, sharing the story of her late friend Sophie, who took her own life shortly after giving birth. Sophie, a talented mother of three, experienced severe anxiety related to her baby's feeding, which ultimately contributed to her mental health decline. Kyrke-Smith emphasizes the critical need for improved mental health resources in maternity services, given that suicide is the leading cause of maternal death within a year of birth. She hopes to influence forthcoming mental health legislation and raise awareness of maternal mental health issues.
After losing Sophie, I became aware of how prevalent maternal mental health challenges are, yet they receive far less attention compared to physical challenges of pregnancy.
Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death from six weeks to a year post-birth, highlighting the urgent need for better mental health support.
In my speech at the debate, I intend to push for change in memory of my friend, urging greater integration of mental health services into maternity care.
I don't know if or how her own mental health was assessed, but her distress signals in the days leading up to her death were alarming.
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