Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is an amazing weeklong campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
Running from Monday 2nd -Sunday 8th May, this year’s theme is ‘The Power of Connection.’
Who founded Maternal Mental Awareness Week?
Launched in 2014 by a small group of individuals, including women with lived experience, its aim is to focus on the importance of raising public and professional awareness surrounding maternal mental health and helping families access care, information and support throughout pregnancy.
What are maternal mental health problems?
Illnesses such as antenatal and/or postnatal depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum psychosis and post traumatic stress disorder are all examples of a maternal mental
health problem. These illnesses can be triggered by pregnancy, but also be an underlying condition that manifests during pregnancy. They can range in severity and require different kinds of treatment.
Why is Maternal Mental Health so important?
In the UK, we take it for granted that all women will receive the support they need to look after their own health and that of their baby during pregnancy and the first year after birth. We often
assume having a baby to be such a joyous occasion, and for lots of women it is. But...
More than 1 in 10 women experience a maternal mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years.
70% of women will hide or underplay their illness.
Suicide is the leading cause of direct maternal death within a year of having a baby.
These statistics support the estimated number of women affected by perinatal mental illness as researched by the NSPCC.
Maternal Mental Health Support
It is so important that women feel supported throughout pregnancy and the early years as this can manifest and later lead to serious health problems. Not just for the mother, this can also impact the long-term health and well-being of the child too.
What help is out there for mothers, and mums-to-be?
Talk to a health professional- your GP, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor
The Samaritans are free to call on 116 123
Local support organisations; search by area or postcode www.netmums.com
National support organisations; see list on www.maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
How can we help at The London House of Wellbeing?
We believe in preventative healthcare, just like those at Maternal Mental Health, who are dedicated to creating strategies to help vulnerable mums to be.
Just like this amazing organization, our shared values are ambitious and passionate with your well-being in mind. Our expert team of pharmacists are on hand to offer advice on keeping on top of your mental health, and they can address any other health related concerns too.
Our top tips for self-care as you embrace motherhood:
Lower your expectations! Do not add more pressure on yourself than needs to be.
Accept help. Do not be afraid to ask for it either.
Take some time for yourself. Run a bath while baby is sleeping. Take a few moments to read a book. Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air.
Please get in touch today www.thehouseofwellbeing.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you for a friendly, private and confidential chat in a safe space. Motherhood can be confusing
and scary - we want to make you feel you have the power to embrace how you may feel, and be able to connect with your journey ahead.
For more information please visit:
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