Postnatal Clinics in Denmark: A Much-Needed Debate and the Push for Shift
Discussion of postnatal care support for mothers to be debated in the Danish parliament.
A rapid surge of support has propelled a proposal for nationwide postnatal clinics in Denmark towards parliamentary debate. This citizen's proposal, dubbed a borgerforslag, envisions multi-disciplinary teams dedicated to catering to new mothers, filling a glaring gap in the current postnatal care system.
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The petition, initiated by Michella Meier-Morsi Hørsholm, quickly garnered 50,000 signatures, accelerating its journey towards parliamentary deliberation. A bill is likely to be tabled by a sympathetic party or MP, potentially marking a turning point in postnatal care in Denmark.
Immediate Change in Postnatal Care
Existing eight-week checkups with general practitioners would be replaced by the postnatal clinics detailed in the proposal. These clinics offer a comprehensive approach, delving beyond the limitations of conventional checkups that typically focus on contraception, sex life, and pelvic floor function[1].
The Need for More Comprehensive Care
The petition advocates for improved support for mothers who experience birth trauma. These mothers often struggle to find help, particularly those without the means to access the necessary resources or cover costs[1].
The Vision for Postnatal Clinics
Postnatal clinics would offer specialized care, including mental health support, physiotherapy, and advice on breastfeeding, among other services. This holistic approach aims to cater to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of new mothers[1].
A Long-Overdue Conversation
While Denmark boasts a strong healthcare system, concerns about accessibility, quality, and integration of alternative services persist[2]. Debates about postnatal clinics might delve into these issues, pushing for a shift in the existing postnatal care model.
See Also
- #Health
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References
- Ritzau/The Local. (n.d.). Save: Postnatal clinics required in Denmark. thelocal.dk
- Lundström, A. (2020). Postpartum mental health services in Denmark during the corona pandemic: A qualitative study of the perceived impact of the pandemic on availability of services. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 355.
- OECD (2018). Health at a Glance 2018. Publications.oecd.org.
- Tjia, I., Damman, K., & Zacharoff, M. (2020). Telemedicine: An Innovation to Address the Access, Quality and Equity Challenges in Danish Maternal and Child Health Care Services? Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(9), e19177.
- Beratan, A., Jeppesen, P. B., Asker-Pedersen, B., Fioretto, A. M., Friis-Møller, N., Arfursson, M., ... & Linneberg, A. (2018). Development and Process Evaluation of a Patient-Centred Holistic Programme (PC-HUSH) to Improve Quality of Life for Women with Coordinated Mental and Physical Health Problems. PLoS One, 13(1), e0190078.
- The proposed postnatal clinics in Denmark, if established, would prioritize mental health support, physiotherapy, and breastfeeding advice to cater to new mothers' holistic needs, addressing the current system's limitations.
- The push for postnatal clinics in Denmark highlights the need for more comprehensive care for mothers who have experienced birth trauma, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources and support, regardless of their financial means.
- The vision for these postnatal clinics includes a multi-disciplinary team approach, aiming to improve the quality and accessibility of postnatal care in Denmark, a discussion long due in light of ongoing concerns regarding the healthcare system.
- The debate about postnatal clinics in Denmark could lead to a shift in the current postnatal care model, addressing issues related to accessibility, quality, and the integration of alternative services, as seen in the health and wellness sector, including women's health and parenting.
