Having a baby can be a time a great sadness, do not delay looking for support

1 in every 10 women develop postnatal depression within a year of giving birth, according to NHS website[i]. With symptoms lasting for months and starting any time within the first year, it can have a devastating impact on you, your baby, and your family. It is worth noting that this mood disorder can affect both sexes equally. The website also states that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby. East London has the highest birth rate in the UK which puts a considerable pressure on mental health services in this region to ensure the best possible outcomes for new parents.[ii]

There are quite a few barriers that prevent new mums from seeking help once they notice that something isn’t quite right. According to Mind website, new mums may feel the pressure to be happy and excited and to be on top of everything. Moreover, they fear “bad mother stigma” and worry that someone will take their baby away from them if they are open about how they're feeling. [iii]Failure to access services can negatively affect mother`s ability to look after her baby, thus highlighting the importance of an early intervention. Sadly, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists report that services are letting down some of the most vulnerable women in our society. [iv]

Regrettably, COVID-19 pandemic meant that new mothers had to go through their prenatal, labour and birth, and postpartum stages under the pandemic conditions. With limited access to services and a low rate of referrals, new mothers are struggling to access help that they desperately need and were left to face challenging situations with little or no support. [v]And although NHS has already introduced guidance allowing pregnant women to have a support person antenatally, during birth and postnatally, the lasting effects for women having to go through challenging times are causing deterioration in mental health, especially if they are vulnerable already.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham are committed to signposting new parents as well as equipping them with useful information. Ranging from help with various mental health difficulties as well as help address attachment difficulties with your baby– you can be informed and signposted to services that best suit your needs. Accessing help early means you can be offered assessment and treatment, which includes advice on medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Perinatal parent infant mental health service can work with a new mother, their partner and baby together to support to adjust to the changes that can come with expecting and caring for a new baby. Home visits are also offered by these services (on a case-by-case basis) so that intensive support can be provided, as well as linking up with other specialist support services in the borough. [vi]

Additionally, Baby Buddy app have developed a local version for North East London maternity services. By downloading the app for free or visiting Baby Buddy website www.babybuddyapp.co.uk you can get details about a maternity unit and their specialist services, helpline and various clinics` phone numbers and links to local Maternity Voices Partnership.

Seeking prompt help is important. Support and information are also available via one of the numbers below:

Samaritans – 116 123 (24 hrs a day)

Mind – 0300 123 3393 (9am – 6pm Mon-Fri)

NHS Choices – 111 (24 hrs a day)