NSPCC urge new mums to open up about their battles with post natal depression

There are concerns about the number pregnant women and new mums across Merseyside who aren't getting help when they're struggling with their mental health.

Around a fifth suffer from things like postnatal depression, but a new survey's found many are worried about how they'll be perceived if they come forward for treatment.

This week (MAY 2-8), marks Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, and that’s something the NSPCC is keen to support here in the North West.

Becoming a parent at any time can be stressful, and perinatal mental health problems – during pregnancy and after a child is born – are common, affecting more than one in five mums and around one in ten dads.

Symptoms can include anxiety, depression and low moods, and can make it harder for parents to bond with their baby, even potentially impacting on their infant’s development.

The NSPCC developed its Pregnancy in Mind service to offer support to parents who are at risk of or already experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy, and the feedback we’ve had from mums in Liverpool in recent months suggest it’s really helped them.

Parents can attend virtually, and will learn techniques including mindfulness meditation, active relaxation, coping skills, social support and advice on how couples can better communicate and manage conflicts during what can be a stressful time.

We know Pregnancy in Mind can help new parents manage the difficulties they experience and leave them more able to provide sensitive, responsive and long-lasting care to their babies and as their children develop.

Health visitors, children’s centres, GPs and midwives across Liverpool are already sharing details about the service and how to sign up, but if you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

If you or someone you know could benefit from finding out more about Pregnancy in Mind, please phone 0151 5561000 or email Laura.Harvey@NSPCC.org.uk

Hear all the latest news from across Merseyside on the hour, every hour, on 96.7FM, DAB, at radiocity.co.uk, and on the Radio City app.