Labor senator seeks postpartum inquiry after 'excruciating' experience

South Australian Labor senator Marielle Smith is advocating for a national inquiry into postpartum healthcare, sharing her own "excruciating" and isolating experience with breastfeeding difficulties and postpartum anxiety after the birth of her son.

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We know when it comes to women's health that too often their pain and their symptoms are ignored or minimised.

Smith described the early days of motherhood as "devastating" despite a positive birth experience. She faced "unbearable pain" from recurring mastitis and latching problems, leading to feelings of failure. "I wanted to breastfeed my baby so badly, but it was excruciating," she stated.

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I want to make sure that we're giving women an opportunity to share their stories, to have their voices heard, and then that we're able to use their advocacy to drive some change in this area.

Now, she plans to seek Senate support for a 12-month select committee to investigate postpartum care across Australia. The committee would invite women and families to share their experiences with physical and mental health, breastfeeding support, and other allied services. "We know when it comes to women's health that too often their pain and their symptoms are ignored or minimised," Senator Smith said.

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I was really lucky in that I absolutely loved giving birth. I had an amazing experience, I felt like a warrior. It was what happened in the days after that, which was devastating for me.

Smith believes that many Australian women are "suffering in silence" and that her proposed inquiry, which would travel nationwide, is crucial for driving change. She emphasized the need to give women a platform to be heard, stating, "I want to make sure that we're giving women an opportunity to share their stories, to have their voices heard, and then that we're able to use their advocacy to drive some change in this area."

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It was unbearable, unbearable pain.