Labor senator seeks postpartum inquiry after 'excruciating' experience
The South Australian Labor Senator opens up about her difficult early days of motherhood in the hopes of encouraging women around Australia to share their own experiences to help shape health reforms.
Labor senator Marielle Smith is campaigning for a national inquiry into postpartum healthcare following her own challenging experience. She wants the Senate to allocate a year to listen to women and families about physical and mental health, breastfeeding, and support after giving birth. Senator Smith will push for Senate approval on Tuesday to establish the inquiry, which would tour Australia and assess possible health reforms.
Despite feeling like a warrior during childbirth, she faced excruciating physical pain and postpartum anxiety after her son Benjamin's birth due to difficulties with breastfeeding. Senator Smith is determined to encourage other women to share their stories to inform health reforms, emphasizing the need for accessible postpartum care regardless of a woman's location or financial situation.
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