A damning report by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has revealed a "dangerously underfunded" maternity system in the UK, leaving thousands of new mothers feeling unsafe, abandoned, and overwhelmed in the critical weeks after birth.

The findings are a shock to many who view the National Health Service (NHS) as a global gold standard. Yet, the reality for new mums involves a "postcode lottery" of care. Almost a quarter of women surveyed reported having no regular access to health professionals after leaving the hospital. Loneliness and mental health struggles are spiraling, with 59% of pregnant women worrying about their psychological wellbeing.

The Kenyan Comparison

While the contexts differ, the core issue is universal: maternal healthcare often stops the moment the baby is born. In Kenya, despite the success of the Linda Mama program in increasing hospital deliveries, postnatal care remains the "Cinderella" of the system—ignored and under-resourced. Many Kenyan mothers face the same isolation, compounded by economic hardship.

• The Mental Health Toll: The report highlights that feeling "overwhelmed" should not be the norm. Yet, without a village or a functional health system, mothers are drowning.
• The Call to Action: Experts are demanding a ring-fenced budget for postnatal support. "We cannot just deliver babies and walk away," says NCT CEO Angela McConville. "We must mother the mother."

This global crisis in maternal care serves as a reminder that healthcare systems, rich or poor, must evolve to treat childbirth as a holistic journey, not just a medical event.