This week is Maternal Mental Health Week. For more information, click here.
We often hear about the importance of identifying and treating maternal health conditions in new and expectant mothers, but the pandemic has had such an impact on the mental wellbeing of people as theynavigate new parenthood, that it’s even more important to know when and how to seek help if required.
When we think of having a baby, society places a lot of emphasis on the actual physical process of giving birth. Caring for maternal mental health however, is extremely important as if left untreated, many illnesses can have a devastating impact on women and their families.
Around one in 10 women will develop a mental health issue during pregnancy or in the one year afterwards and it doesn’t always affect those who have pre-existsing mental health conditions. For many, suffering from ante or postnatal depression or psychosis can come as a complete shock. With such stats it’s imperative that early diagnosis, access to support and treatment is available.
During the pandemic there have been many restrictions encountered by women and their families, from reduced face to face appointments, to birth partner and visitor restrictions. Although certain restrictions have been necessary in reducing transmission of Covid-19, they have all had an impact on the maternal mental wellbeing of many expectant and new mothers.
I conducted a poll on Instagram asking if the pandemic had an affect on their mental health through pregnancy and 91% said yes. One of the biggest worries that women tell me they have is not having their partner to support them during labour. Last year many women being induced laboured alone in the early stages until they reached established labour. This no doubt would have been nerve wracking for many women
I’ve heard many stories from the birthing rooms and wards; from the midwives and staff being extremely supportive and going above and beyond (due to women being without partners), to feeling totally alone and isolated as the ward was understaffed.
Another concern from mums who have had their babies during lockdowns is the worry of when their partners go back to work. Many weren’t aware that in situations where there is a new baby and the mother needed help from say a friend or relative, a ‘support bubble’ could be formed. As an independent midwife, it’s the simple things like women not being able to see me give them a reassuring smile due to wearing a mask, that affects the way I work; communicating effectively, gaining trust and building rapport becomes more challenging. Many of my NHS colleagues have certainly felt the pressure too, not just wearing PPE the changing of the way many appointments are carried out has meant that often, women who are experiencing mental health issues are slipping through the net.
Perinatal mental health services and many other organisations that offer support, have continued to operate throughout the pandemic. Despite this however, some people are still left feeling the strain.
As an expectant or new parent, the Maternal Mental Health Alliance have some great tips for caring for your mental wellbeing. It’s important to know there is help and support out there for all affected by mental health, whether it’s low mood, anxiety, depression, OCD or any other condition, contact your care provider for support.