The costs and benefits of post-natal midwifery support - a randomised controlled trial

INTERVENTION: The randomised controlled trial aimed to measure differences in health status in a group of women who were offered postnatal support from a community midwifery support worker (SW) compared with a control group of women who were not offered this support. Women were followed‐up by postal questionnaire at 6 weeks and 6 months postnatally. The intervention consisted of the SW offering practical and emotional support and to help women rest and recover after childbirth. The SW offered ten visits in the first 28 days postnatally, for up to 3 hours per day. The SW's activities included housework, talking with the mother, and care for the baby or other siblings. The service was provided in addition to routine visits by the community midwife. CONDITION: Pregnancy and childbirth: Childbirth ; Pregnancy and Childbirth PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary outcome was the general health perception domain of the Short Form‐36 at 6 weeks. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Secondary outcomes were mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Duke Functional Social Support (DUFSS) scores and breastfeeding rates. INCLUSION CRITERIA: All women who delivered a baby at the recruiting hospital were eligible to take part in the trial if they lived within the study area, were aged 17 years or over, and could understand English.