Aylesbury MP continues pregnancy support campaign inspired by late friend
Aylesbury’s MP is continuing her campaign to improve mental health support for pregnant women.
Laura-Kyrke Smith has long called for every pregnant woman and new mother to receive support after the death of her best friend Sophie.
Sophie died shortly after the birth of her third daughter who was just 10 weeks old when she passed away.
A Babies Bill which would provide more support to families is being progressed through Parliament and is currently at the scrutiny stage.
During the second reading of the bill Ms Kyrke-Smith shared how Sophie’s death from suicide had motivated her campaign.
“For someone struggling with their mental health, it is vital that the support kicks in at the very early stages of the 1,001 days,” Ms Kyrke Smith said.
She said support should be universal and should recognise that the wellbeing of babies cannot be separated from that of their parents and carers. The Labour politician also highlighted the mental-health needs of fathers, partners and other carers.
She praised the DadPad resource used by mental-health midwives at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which gives fathers practical information about caring for themselves and supporting their babies.
Ms Kyrke-Smith also welcomed the Elmhurst Best Start family hub, which is due to open this month, and praised Aylesbury's PANDAS group for providing a supportive place where new mothers can meet others who may be struggling.
She argued that maternity care, mental-health teams, infant-feeding support, health visiting, primary care, SEND services and voluntary organisations should work together so that families are not left to navigate a fragmented system alone.
It has been noted that the bill has received cross-party support and will be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
Sir Desmond Swayne is the MP sponsoring the bill, he said: “The House of Commons has sent a clear message that supporting babies and families is a shared national responsibility. This practical Bill would strengthen existing services by requiring the Government to understand need, work towards appropriate provision and report to Parliament. I am grateful to colleagues across the House for helping it reach this important milestone.”
In February 2025, Ms Kyrke-Smith appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss Sophie and why she feels so passionately about the campaign.