MORE than one in three new mothers are left alone and worried during labour or shortly after giving birth, a poll found today.
The survey of more than 3,500 women logging onto Netmums.com also found 30% received no antenatal classes on the NHS.
A total of 43% did not have access to a midwife while they were on a postnatal ward, while 35% were left alone during labour or just after, at a time when they felt worried.
The UK-wide survey, commissioned by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), was released on the eve of the union’s annual conference in Manchester.
More than one in four (28%) women described their maternity care as neutral, poor or very poor but 29% said it was excellent.
The Government in England has said all women should be supported by a midwife they know and trust throughout their pregnancy and after birth.
