Manchester Mums Matter:  Marking Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

By Sarah Lawless, Senior Consultant at The PHA Group and Chair of the Pro Parent Committee

Today marks the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness week; a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy.

As chair of the Pro Parent committee and a mum who has struggled with my own mental health in the post-partum period, I want to help raise awareness about this issue and share what I hope will be valuable resources for any mums in our region who might need support.

My story

I became a first-time mum just before the first lockdown, after a difficult pregnancy and a traumatic birth. I was cut off from my support system and the impact it had on my mental health was huge. I was diagnosed with PTSD and postnatal anxiety and felt entirely unable to cope. I can honestly say it was the most difficult and quite frankly, terrifying time of my life.

Thankfully, I was able to make a full and swift recovery because of the resources I was able to access. The perinatal mental health support team were fantastic, and they provided all the tools I needed to start feeling like myself again. I am now passionate about supporting other parents to navigate this period and want to make sure everyone knows what help is available should they need it.

Why does it matter?

While we know entering motherhood, or planning to enter motherhood can be a wonderful time, it’s also important to recognise the impact this period can have upon mental wellbeing.

According to research, approximately 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. From the sleepless nights of caring for a newborn to the pressures of balancing work and family life, new mothers often find themselves grappling with feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Maternal mental health matters not only for mums but for the health and development of their children too. Studies have shown that maternal depression and anxiety can affect the bond between Mum and baby, as well as a child’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural development. By prioritising maternal mental health, we can create an environment that supports whole families and hopefully allows them to enjoy this time.

Where can you turn?

If you or someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health, remember you are not alone, and help is available. Here are some organisations and charities that offer support and resources for mothers, in and around Greater Manchester and beyond:

• Greater Manchester Perinatal Mental Health Service: This NHS service provides specialist mental health support for women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. They offer assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of perinatal mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis. You can access their services through your GP or midwife referral.
• PANDAS Foundation offers support to families affected by perinatal mental illness. They provide helpline support, online community forums, and information resources for new mums and their families.

• The Birth Trauma Association provides support for women who have experienced traumatic birth experiences, which can often lead to maternal mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They offer information, support groups, and online resources to help mothers navigate their feelings and experiences.
• Salford Parent Champions: This community-based initiative provides support and information for parents in Salford, including maternal mental health support. They offer peer support groups, workshops, and information sessions on various topics related to parenting and mental health.
• Tommy’s: The largest pregnancy and baby loss charity in the UK. Tommy’s offers resources for those who are planning a pregnancy, right through to birth and support those who experience miscarriages, still births and baby loss.
• Dad Matters: Although it is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, the wellbeing of dads is equally important. Check out Dad Matters to who aim to help fathers build successful relationships with their families, and support those suffering with anxiety, stress, and mental health issues.

Building your village

They say, “it takes a village to raise a child” and from my experience this is true, but particularly as a first time Mum, your village can be hard to find.

In addition to the other resources, building a network of other Mums who are going through the same thing, can be hugely valuable. A night feed can suddenly feel a lot less lonely when you have someone to message, and a worrying rash can suddenly seem a lot less alarming when a friend has seen it before.

NCT offer classes for anyone expecting, and there will be many baby classes you can find in your local area too, which offer a great chance to meet other parents. From baby sensory to pram fit classes, there are many formats to try, and all offer a chance to meet people in a similar situation and help remind you that you’re not alone.

I recently learned flamingos lose their pink during pregnancy and in the postnatal period as it takes so much energy to grow and care for their young, and this really resonated with me. It can often feel like our colour is draining during this time.

So, if you, or someone you know might be struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out – it takes courage and bravery to ask for help, but you can get the support you need to feel like yourself again and start getting your pink back!