Sarah O'Neill: Nothing could fully prepare you for motherhood, but we must try better

We must support women better and give the transition to motherhood the recognition it deserves. We cannot expect women to just get on with things on their own, writes Sarah O'Neill

In terms of the physical and emotional changes a new mother undergoes, as well as the shift in her social position and identity, pregnancy and birthing a baby is as big a change as adolescence for a woman.

New mothers and their babies cannot be last on the list when it comes to prioritising healthcare. Recent reports that women and children living in certain postcodes are being deprioritised for vital visits due to public health nurse shortages are extremely concerning.

I had my first baby just over two years ago, and my second last year. It’s true what they say – nothing fully prepares you, but we should prepare and support women better than we are currently.