Birth Afterthoughts Clinic

Birth Afterthoughts Clinic

Birth Afterthoughts Service

Bringing your new baby home is a significant life transition, and it can feel even more overwhelming if you have questions or unresolved feelings about your labour or birth. Many people find it difficult to take in all the information provided at the time of their birth experience, and it is common to experience gaps in memory, confusion, or emotional distress afterwards.

Our Birth Afterthoughts service is here to offer you space, support, and clarity.

Please note: This service is only available to people who have given birth at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

What the service offers

The Birth Afterthoughts service provides a safe, confidential meeting to reflect on your birth experience with an experienced midwife or Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA).

During your one‑hour appointment, you will have the opportunity to:

• Review your records and talk through the events of your labour and birth
• Ask questions about any interventions or unexpected developments
• Gain clarity around decisions and care provided
• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings in a non‑judgemental space

This is offered as a one‑off appointment. While we do not provide a series of sessions, we can offer referral or signposting to other services if further support might be beneficial.

You are welcome to attend alone or be accompanied by a partner or support person. We recognise that birth partners may have their own questions or reflections, and we can include their perspective if you wish.

When to attend

We recommend waiting until at least 6 weeks after the birth before having an appointment.

Evidence suggests that over a period of 6–12 weeks, the natural emotional healing process happens for approximately 80% of people. Allowing this time supports physical recovery, emotional processing, and adjustment to early parenthood.

Appointments are available in the following formats:

• Telephone
• Virtual (online)

Important Information

Please note: This service is not intended for formal complaints.

If you have concerns about the care you received, please contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service), who will ensure your concerns are appropriately addressed.

How to request an appointment

To self‑refer, please email: birthafterthoughts@lthtr.nhs.uk