The Daily Mail reports today that the rate of new mothers suffering depression has doubled to hit 20%.
The rise is being blamed on the distressing experiences suffered by many women during labour at over-stretched NHS maternity units all over the country.
The survey by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) shows the number of mothers of children up to a year old who have the condition is even higher - at 27% - and also found that the risk of becoming depressed was far higher for women who had a bad experience during the birth.
The survey showed that 41% of mothers with post-natal depression (PND) had endured a bad birth, compared to just 25% of all mothers surveyed.
Only 14% of PND mothers described their birth as good, compared to 37% of all mothers.
The RCM blames a shortage of 10,000 NHS midwives for the problem, as it makes it harder for hospitals to provide a good service to pregnant women. One of the main problems is mothers being left alone too soon after the birth.
Last week official figures showed there were 339 fewer midwives in the NHS in 2006 than in 2005, while the birth rate is rising. Maternity units in some areas are also facing closure, with ante-natal classes being cut or reduced.
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