Calls for new Mums in North Yorkshire to get three month check
Campaigners say it would help support those struggling with their mental health
There are calls for women in North Yorkshire to get a three month check after having their baby - to support those struggling with their mental health.
Sarah Monkman, from Malton, was a close friend of Lucy Pearson - who took her own life soon after having her son.
She helped set up Lucy's Legacy which is campaigning to improve maternal mental health services in our County.
"You were very well looked after when you're pregnant, you have your midwife appointments every couple off weeks and then you have your baby, you get to six weeks and all of a sudden, you're on your own.
"You've got this small human that most of us have not a clue what to do with, and just all of a sudden everything just stops, and you're left on your own. That three month point is a real dip for the cortisol, the stress hormone raises, your hormones are all over the place, so we kind of feel that a visit from a health visitor or a doctor or something at that point would possibly catch mums that are struggling, that are finding it really difficult, starting to have these thoughts, maybe depression or some anxiety, but to catch those before it escalates and gets to where at the point where somebody feels like the only option is to take their life.
"In the beginning you've got a brand new baby and everybody comes round and then life gets back to normal. But your life is totally different and you've got to navigate it with a new baby and it is difficult and if you're lucky and you've got a great support system and lots of friends that can share their experience, but some people don't have that and and even if you do, it can still be very difficult.
"I think people feel like they can't open up and it's almost if you admit that you're struggling, it's like you're saying you're a bad Mum. But I personally think it makes you a better mum because you're getting the help that you need to help you raise your children.
She also says it's really important that the check would be in person: "The zoom calls that you get, they're not very personal. To see somebody in person, I think you get a much truer representation of how that person's feeling, and if they, as the health visitors do in the very beginning, comes round to your house, they can see you interact with your baby and just see how you're doing. There's no replacement for that, just sitting down in person with somebody and having a chat. I think it needs to be less zooms and more in person."
Where to get help and support
If you or anyone you know needs immediate help call 999
You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123
You can join Lucy's Legacy by clicking here
You can also contact MIND here