Talkback: a strategic approach to working with maternity service users.

This paper describes the implementation of a strategic approach to service user involvement in Stockport, demonstrating a strong culture of collaborative working, between service users, providers and commissioners. It explains the process we used and how we learn from the stories that parents share, enabling us to build on the strengths of our service and develop those areas which are highlighted as not meeting the needs of families. It describes the establishment of a Service User Forum and the subsequent launch of the MSLC, with service users forming approximately 75 per cent of the membership.

Saving Mothers' Lives: Reviewing maternal deaths to make motherhood safer: 2006-2008. The Eighth Report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the United Kingdom.

In the triennium 2006-2008, 261 women in the UK died directly or indirectly related to pregnancy. The overall maternal mortality rate was 11.39 per 100,000 maternities.

A qualitative study of mild to moderate psychological distress during pregnancy.

Background: Psychological distress is common in the antenatal period. In England, psychological distress is classified as mild, moderate or severe but only those who suffer severe psychological distress are referred to the specialist mental health services. Those who suffer mild to moderate psychological distress are managed by the primary care services.