A warning about ITV's Malpractice
maternity & mental health triggers
Just a word of warning about the new series of Malpractice on ITV: it deals with some sensitive and serious issues around maternity and mental health. I found it to be a tough watch in places and I recognise that for some women it could be really upsetting and worrying.
While it’s a gripping drama that covers some important issues about working within the NHS, it really does chuck everything at us: set in a mental health unit we see suicide, self harm and being sectioned, and there’s also a link to a maternity unit with traumatic births, babyloss, postpartum psychosis and more suicide.
There’s also an undercurrent message around safety concerns in maternity services and it really attempts to show the pressures on NHS staff, especially on short-staffed and underfunded departments.
Yes it’s a TV drama but if you are pregnant and have any experience of or concerns about mental health issues, birth trauma and babyloss, this might not be worth the watch because there’s a lot going on and it’s really brutal in places.
If you need support:
Action on Postpartum Psychosis has useful information as well as support for parents and families affected by postpartum psychosis.
The Birth Trauma Association also has support for parents
And SANDS provides information and support for anyone who has experienced babyloss
As ever, you can comment and leave me your thoughts, questions or concerns.
Jx