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Women holding a baby in her kitchen

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Helen P’s story

Helen had postnatal depression (PND) following the birth of her son. She explains what she thinks could have made her first weeks as a new mum better, and the importance of making sure parents get the help they need, when...

9 September 2019

women holding newborn

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Sharelle's story

Sharelle had a traumatic experience giving birth to her first son, which caused her to become anxious when she was pregnant with her second. This is her story.

9 September 2019

A women holding her baby

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Zoe's story

After a traumatic birth, Zoe struggled to get the support she needed to prepare for the arrival of her second baby. She shares her story about the impact this had on her mental health, and how she’d like things to be...

9 September 2019

Dad, Mum and baby in hospital

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Maria and Simon's story

Maria faced a number of challenges as a new mum both during and after her pregnancy. The focus from staff on her weight, a history of depression and anxiety, and the mental health challenges her partner, Simon*, faced all...

9 September 2019

Mum holding baby and dad poking it on the nose

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Helen's story

After months of caring for an unwell baby who was screaming 15 hours a day, Helen found herself resenting her daughter and wanting to leave her family. She explains how speaking to a counsellor has helped her to recognise...

9 September 2019

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What people have told us about health and social care: April to June 2019

Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social care from April to June this year.

4 September 2019

women holding newborn

Make more space for new parents to talk about their mental health

In our new report, we share what parents have told us about their experiences of mental health problems during and after pregnancy, and call on services to give people more opportunities to talk about their mental wellbeing.

9 September 2019

Women holding baby

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Jane's story

It took two and a half years for Jane’s* son to be diagnosed with gastritis. She explains how months and months of pushing for him to get the help he needed affected her mental health.

9 September 2019

Baby Theo sleeping

Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Kristy's story

As well as a difficult pregnancy, Kristy felt pressure both to breastfeed and to produce 'the perfect family'. Thanks to the support from her husband and homebirth midwives, Kristy sought the help she needed for her mental health.

9 September 2019

Latest reports and publications

Mental health and the journey to parenthood

9 September 2019

Find out what's working well for people and what needs to...

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What people have told us about health and social care: April to June 2019

4 September 2019

Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social...

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Creating a learning culture in social care

Our findings suggest that councils are not currently making the most...

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Our public Committee Meeting September 2019 supporting materials

Take a look at our papers for our September Committee Meeting.