Emotional Wellbeing with a Baby

Emotional Wllbeing with a baby

Many mums and partners may feel ashamed or scared to tell other people how they are feeling, but having a baby is a period of significant change and transition in someone’s life.

It is more common than you might think for mothers and partners to experience a range of emotions during this time. The majority of these difficulties resolve quickly, for instance, 50-80% of women will experience baby blues, and this comes and goes very quickly. However, it can also trigger feelings of depression and anxiety that may be more difficult to manage at this time of your life.

It’s important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed. Your symptoms could have a significant impact on you, your baby, and your family, and you can feel better if you get help. You do not have to struggle on alone and asking for help is a sign that you are doing the best for your baby, yourself and family.

With the right support, which could include; self-help strategies, attending a course, individual guided self-help over the telephone or face-to-face therapy sessions, most women make a full recovery. And, if we feel you might benefit from some more specialist support we will refer you on to our perinatal mental health teams. You may also be advised by your GP to consider anti-depressant medication.

If you feel you are at risk of harming yourself or your baby it is very important that you seek help immediately.