Parental wellbeing

Being pregnant is a time of change. It can be a time of feeling worried, fearful, excited and joyful. Although all of these feelings are completely normal, for many women some of these changes can be distressing and more severe.

The 'baby blues' are due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that take place in your body after childbirth. This can affect many women and should only last for a few days. However, for some women, these symptoms can be more severe and last longer and could be postnatal depression.

Depression and anxiety are thought to affect 15-20% of women in the first year after childbirth.

Signs of postnatal depression may include:

• feelings of being unable to cope, hopelessness and excessive anxiety
• not being able to stop crying
• panic attacks
• concerns about bonding with your baby

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please talk to a Health Visitor or someone you trust. Your Health and Children's Centre team are trained to recognise postnatal depression and anxiety. They have techniques and resources that can help you.

It's also important to see your GP. If you don't feel up to making an appointment, ask someone to do it for you.

Useful websites and information:

• Tommy's: The Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan
• NHS: Postnatal depression
• Emotional Wellbeing Gateway website
• Get Me Out The Four Walls - local charity offering support to parents
• Wellbeing Service - Offers a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues
• Samaritans - Offers listening and support to people in time of need
• Association of Postnatal Illness - registered charity who offer support to mothers who are suffering from postnatal illness
• PANDAS - a national charity that offers support to any parent suffering from perinatal mental illness
• MIND - a mental health charity that provides helpful information on mental health, psychiatric medication and much more
• Action on Postpartum Psychosis - Information & peer support to women who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis and their families
• Royal College of Psychiatrists - provides information on postnatal psychosis and depression
• Anxiety UK - provides support for people suffering with anxiety
• Family Lives - offers parenting advice and support
• No Panic - help with dealing with Panic Disorder
• Living Life to the Full - free online courses covering low mood, stress and resilience
• Onelife Suffolk - find activities in your local area that may help with your wellbeing
• Institute of Health Visiting - Emotional Health and Wellbeing for mothers
• NHS Better Health - Every Mind Matters

Helpful Apps / Mobile Resources

• Shout - 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, if you’re in crisis and you need immediate help
• Baby Buddy - Provides easy access to trusted, evidence-based information and self-management tools during the transition to parenthood and throughout the early stages of parenting.