Hesta Health Launches to Transform Postnatal Care for Women in the UK

A new healthcare platform, Hesta Health, has launched in the UK with £2 million in pre-seed funding, aiming to address critical gaps in postnatal care and improve long-term health outcomes for women. Founded in 2025 by Dr. Sujitha Selvarajah, an NHS Obstetrics & Gynaecology doctor, and Amanda Cupples, a seasoned executive with experience at Airbnb and Babylon Health, the company is focused on providing comprehensive support to women and birthing parents in the first two years after childbirth.

The Postnatal Care Gap

Women experience approximately 25% more of their lives in ill health compared to men, representing a significant healthcare gap with substantial economic consequences – an estimated $1 trillion annual loss globally and 75 million years of life lost each year . Hesta Health aims to address this disparity by offering proactive, finish-to-end care that extends beyond the traditional six-week postnatal check-up, which often focuses primarily on the baby’s health.

What Hesta Health Offers

Hesta Health combines clinical expertise, technology, and compassionate care to deliver a new benchmark in women’s health. The platform provides milestone-based care pathways, offering access to specialists in areas such as pelvic health, breastfeeding, and mental health. Services include:

• At-Home Blood Tests: Subscribers receive postpartum blood tests to assess heart and metabolic health, thyroid function, and nutrient deficiencies .
• Online Health Check: A comprehensive online assessment covering physical recovery, mental health, and breastfeeding issues.
• Personalized Reports & Clinician Interpretation: Results are interpreted by specialist clinicians, with advice on next steps, potentially including prescriptions or referrals to specialists .
• Access to Specialists: Opportunities to connect with postnatal clinicians, physiotherapists, and mental health experts (additional costs may apply).

Addressing “Normalised Suffering”

The founders of Hesta Health identified a pattern of “normalised suffering,” where women are expected to endure significant physical and emotional challenges after childbirth without adequate support. Amanda Cupples shared her personal experience with emergency caesarean sections, postnatal anxiety, and pelvic floor dysfunction, highlighting the lack of accessible and transparent care . Dr. Selvarajah observed that hospital care, while excellent for immediate postpartum needs, often falls short in addressing the long-term health concerns of new mothers.

Funding and Future Plans

Hesta Health secured £2 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round led by Eka Ventures, with participation from Blue Lion Capital, Ascension Ventures, and Samos Investments . The company plans to expand its team, roll out its digital product across the UK, meet regulatory requirements, and invest in clinical operations and research. Initial focus is on supporting women up to six months postpartum, with plans to extend services to two years postbirth. Hesta Health is also exploring partnerships with NHS organizations, employers, and insurers to increase access to its services, including offering free access to women from lower incomes.