Sixteen per cent of women have depression symptoms in the year after childbirth and are more likely to report physical symptoms, including tiredness and back pain.

Implications for practice and research: The importance of physical and mental health in the postnatal period has been recognised in this study and in other research. Postnatal visiting has declined in the UK and satisfaction with postnatal care is low compared to other aspects of maternity care. Further research should focus on cost-effective strategies to improve this.