Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to
talking about mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy, with 20%
of new mums affected by it.
The week is all about:
- raising public and professional awareness perinatal mental health problems
- advocating for women and families impacted
- changing attitudes
- helping people access the information, care and support they need to recover.
Who is it organised by?
The week is organised and led by MMHA member (PMHP UK), who launched the
first-ever UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in 2017.
PMHP UK is a small group of individuals, including parents with lived experience and
clinicians, who came together to raise awareness of maternal mental health.
This year’s theme encourages individuals to explore self-discovery, resilience, and
growth during the perinatal period.
In December 2023, new NHS guidance stated “all new mums in England will receive
a more comprehensive mental and physical check-up from their GP in the weeks
after they give birth”, in addition to the newborn check-up.
This check-up is an opportunity for GP’s to assess and support women in not just their physical recovery,
but also with their mental health. The overall aim is to ensure that any woman
needing extra mental health support can be referred if required to a specialist doctor
straight away.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS Medical Director for Primary Care and the NHS’ lead GP in England said:
“More than 600,000 women give birth every year in England, and so it is vital that they can get the right NHS mental health and physical support at what can be a hugely pressured moment in their lives.
“If you are a new or expectant mum and struggling with your mental health, the NHS is here to help so please come forward through your GP practice or midwifery team”.
Keep in mind:
Babies are as unique as adults, each with their own preferences and needs. Your
baby might crave more physical closeness, require frequent feeding, or exhibit more
crying than expected. While seeking medical advice for concerns is important, it’s
vital to understand that every baby is different.
There’s no such thing as a flawless parent. Forget the ideals of a “yummy mummy”
or the flawless portrayals of motherhood on Instagram. Your parenting journey is
yours alone; take each step at your own pace, in sync with your and your baby’s
rhythm.
Guilt is a common emotion for all parents. Recognize the source of any guilt you feel
and consider if it’s based on reality or perception.
Be gentle with yourself!
Babies and young children may not conform to our sleep expectations, leading to
significant challenges as you adjust from solid eight-hour nights to frequently
interrupted sleep.
Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling drained, unmotivated, and
sometimes tearful.
Try to rest when your baby naps during the day, or seek the help
of a family member or friend for a few hours of uninterrupted rest.
Bonding with your baby may not happen instantly. Allow yourself time to adapt to
parenthood. If you’re struggling, confide in someone you trust or seek support from
professionals or peers.
Self-care may sound cliché, but it’s crucial to carve out guilt-free time for yourself as
a parent. Accept offers of support to create space for yourself, even if it’s just to take
a peaceful shower or go for a short walk.
Set boundaries. It’s easy to let frequent visitors or online portrayals of perfect
parenting take over. If something or someone is negatively affecting your self-
esteem, take a break or discuss it with them.
Joining groups or online forums and following blogs can offer valuable support.
Chances are, if you’re struggling at 2 am, someone else in the world is too. Reach
out – you’re not alone.
Exercise is beneficial for both your body and mind, so make time for gentle activities
like short walks. Pay attention to your surroundings, soaking in the warmth of the sun
and the sound of birds singing. Even a simple greeting to others can brighten your
day and foster positivity.
Speak up and communicate clearly about your feelings. If you’re struggling or have
concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Services are available to help you
and your baby through challenging times.