The recent news about the preventable deaths of 56 babies in Leeds has been devastating. I know many will feel overwhelmed by this news, whether it has impacted you personally or if you are expecting a baby. It can bring up feelings of distress and perhaps lots of questions.
As a psychologist working with families in Leeds, I want to offer some thought about how to navigate these emotions and thoughts that show up. Whether you’re processing this as a parent, an expectant parent, or part of a wider family, you’re not alone.
For Expectant Parents: Managing Anxiety About Giving Birth in Hospital
If you’re expecting a baby, the recent news may have heightened your worries about the safety of giving birth in a hospital. It’s completely natural to feel this way; bringing a child into the world is a big moment, and you want to ensure both you and your baby are safe. While it is important to acknowledge that there will always be risks, looking at the facts may help you to feel more informed.
While no system is perfect, the UK remains one of the safest places in the world to give birth. According to the NHS:
• 99.5% of births in England result in a healthy baby and mother.
• Severe complications during childbirth are extremely rare, affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 births.
• Maternity staff are highly trained to handle emergencies and ensure the best outcomes.
If you have specific concerns about your hospital or trust, don’t hesitate to speak to your midwife or doctor. They can provide clarity about safety protocols and answer your questions. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have provided a response which families may find helpful to read.
Tips to Manage Anxiety About Hospital Births
Ask Questions and Get Informed
Knowledge is power. Speak with your midwife or consultant about the steps your hospital takes to ensure the safety of you and your baby. Knowing what to expect during labour and delivery can help ease your fears.
Consider a Birth Plan, But Stay Flexible
Creating a birth plan can help you feel more in control. Include preferences for pain relief, who will be with you, and how you’d like the environment to feel. It’s important to consider how you’d feel about the different options offered to you if things go off plan; it’s okay to adapt if things don’t go exactly as planned your care team will guide you. It’s also important to remember that you are in control here; you have the right to give or remove informed consent for anything offered to you and to say no to interventions.
Take a Hospital Tour
Many hospitals offer virtual or in-person tours of their maternity wards. Seeing the space and understanding the process can make it feel less overwhelming.
Talk About Your Fears
It’s natural to have concerns and worries. Share these with somebody you trust like a partner, friend, or healthcare provider. Sometimes just saying things out loud can help you feel lighter.
Learn techniques to help you to cope with anxiety
Breathing techniques can help to stimulate your vagal nerve and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, entering the state of “rest and digest” rather than “fight or flight”, helping to you regulate and feel calm. Practicing mindfulness and using affirmations can also help you you to regulate and feel more in control.
Our brains were not designed to consume tha amount of information we have access to now; this can lead to heightened feelings of worry and stress. If you want to know more information, choose trusted sources, check in briefly, and then step away.
Build Your Support Network
Connect with other expectant parents, join prenatal groups, or talk to your midwife or consultant about how you’re feeling. Knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly comforting.
Where to Find Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are lots of organisations that can provide support:
• PANDAS Foundation (Perinatal Mental Health Support): www.pandasfoundation.org.uk | 0808 1961 776
• Mindwell Leeds (Mental Wellbeing Support in Leeds): www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
• Relate (Family and Relationship Support): www.relate.org.uk
• Parent-Infant Foundation (Support for Expectant and New Parents): www.parentinfantfoundation.org.uk
• AIMS (Birth Information Charity): www.aims.org.uk
• Birth Trauma Association (Birth Trauma Charity): www.birthtraumaassociation.org
• SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity): www.sands.org.uk
• Tommy’s (Baby Loss Charity): www.tommys.org
You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you need someone to listen, tools to cope, or just a little reassurance, help is out there. You don’t have to feel this way; I often meet with expectant parents who are feeling anxious about child birth for many different reasons and there are many ways we can work to reduce any worry you have around this.
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