Misinformation and muddled public health messaging have failed expectant parents.
Samantha Willis was a beloved young pregnant mother. Did bad vaccine advice cost her her life?
When the UK’s jab programme began, expectant mothers were told to steer clear – so Samantha decided to wait until she had had her baby. Two weeks after giving birth, she died in hospitalIt was typical of Samantha Willis that she bought the food for her…
My partner ghosted me after I miscarried our child. What did I do wrong?
Where did you learn it was up to you to make things better? Now focus on healing yourselfI had a lockdown romance with someone I met through online dating. He was the first man I’d dated after coming out of an abusive relationship, and it was refreshin…
Asos offers staff flexible work and paid leave during menopause
Fertility treatment, pregnancy loss and other health and life challenges covered in retailer’s support policyStaff at the online fashion store Asos will be allowed to work flexibly, as well as take time off at short notice, while going through the meno…
Fear on the ward: UK mothers threatened with social services for refusing maternity care
Women who turn down advice from health service staff say they are being coerced with threats of referrals to agencies and policePregnant women and new mothers are being referred to social services by midwives for refusing to follow their advice, patien…
Damning report published into death of baby born to teenager in prison cell
Inquiry into how 18-year-old gave birth on her own in HMP Bronzefield in Ashford finds many failingsA catalogue of failures among prison and health professionals has been highlighted in an investigation report into the death of a teenager’s baby after …
Postnatal depression is frightening, but seeking support helps the whole family | Saretta Lee
It affects up to 20% of women and can be as complex as depression at any stage of life. But support is thereThe modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work“I want to be a good mother but I’m afraid. …
‘It became a compulsion’: how fertility forums took over my life
After years trying for a child without success, I sought solace in online message boards. Before long, I was spending hours a day poring over intimate posts, sharing everything with total strangers. Would it help?Leanne was having her fringe cut when s…
The Big Death
New study says humans killed Neanderthals by having sex with them. A rare blood disorder discovered in Neanderthal babies was likely the result of breeding with humans, according to a new study. […] This disorder would have made it difficult for the…
More awareness and support needed after miscarriage | Letter
Charlotte Tew writes about feeling isolated and the lack of adequate medical care for those who have lost a babyA huge thank you for publishing the podcast about baby loss and miscarriage (Today in Focus, 9 August). My husband and I are currently exper…