Matresa

The Matresa Blog

Insights & Intelligence

Perspectives on maternal health, employer strategy, and clinical innovation.

11 articles

Woman sitting at a table with a child, using a laptop

For Employers · Workforce and retention

Why Do Mothers Leave Work After Maternity Leave?

85% of women in a UK survey left full-time work within 3 years of a first child. Read the evidence on why mothers leave and what employers can change.

· 8 min read

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Woman and baby sitting together on a white sofa

For Mothers · Postnatal recovery

Who Checks on Mum After Birth? UK Postnatal Care

Who checks on mum after the birth in the UK? See the midwife, health visitor and GP contacts, warning signs to act on, and what care between appointments needs.

· 8 min read

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Mother holding her newborn baby near a window

For Mothers · Pregnancy

How to Prepare for Life After Birth: A UK Guide

How to prepare for life after birth in the UK: postnatal contacts, mental health signs, urgent warning symptoms, maternity leave and pay, and who to call.

· 8 min read

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Two colleagues talking while looking at a laptop in an office

For Employers · Workforce and retention

How to Keep Mothers in the Workforce: What Works

How to keep mothers in the workforce: what ONS, OECD and peer-reviewed research show on flexibility, childcare and leave, and what UK employers can do.

· 7 min read

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Close-up of a baby's foot resting in an adult's hand

For Mothers · Postnatal recovery

6 Week Postnatal Check for Mums: What to Expect

What happens at your 6 to 8 week postnatal check, what the GP should cover, how to prepare, and what to do if it is not offered. Based on NHS and NICE.

· 8 min read

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Warm morning sunlight glowing through a frosted window pane

For Employers · Employers and the law

Pregnancy Loss Leave 2027: What Employers Must Prepare

Pregnancy loss leave of up to 2 weeks takes effect in April 2027. See what changes, who qualifies, what is unpaid and what employers should prepare now.

· 7 min read

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Woman and a young child sitting together on a couch

For Mothers · Return to work

Is it worth going back to work after maternity leave?

Is it worth going back to work after maternity leave? Work out your childcare sums using Tax-Free Childcare, funded hours and Universal Credit in England.

· 7 min read

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Woman holding a young child while walking along a sunlit path

For Employers · Workforce and retention

Employer Childcare Support UK: What Employers Can Offer

What can UK employers do about childcare costs? Tax rules, funded hours, workplace nurseries, sick child cover and what the evidence says on retention.

· 8 min read

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Two women talking at a desk in an open plan office

For Employers · Employers and the law

Employment Rights Act 2025: Maternity Changes Explained

What the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes for pregnant staff and returning mothers, what is already in force, and what is due in 2027, as at 9 October 2026.

· 8 min read

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Smiling woman on a video call at a laptop in a bright office

For Employers · Workforce and retention

Employee Assistance Programme Maternity Support: UK Guide

Does your employee assistance programme support maternity? See what UK evidence says about EAP reach, and the questions HR can ask a provider before leave.

· 7 min read

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Close-up of a person holding a baby

For Mothers · Postnatal recovery

Baby Blues vs Postnatal Depression: Key Differences

Baby blues usually settle within 2 weeks. Postnatal depression lasts longer. Learn the signs, when to seek urgent help and where to get support in England.

· 8 min read

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