Maternity policy and a generation of anxiety and fear

Abstract

This chapter examines how fear influences both parents and the strain it puts on life and relationships. How do external agencies influence policies and guidance so that women’s experiences shape future strategy and policy? What can support groups and peer collectives offer that maternity services do not? What is it that women want from service provision and what does it look like so that women experience less anxiety and worry? What do some services do well that others can learn from? How do women access information outside of traditional maternity settings and how does this match expectation? This chapter discusses how women are prepared for their childbearing life and then go back to work or stay at home in a new role.