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
News
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
Blog
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 they need it.
9 September 2019
Blog
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
Blog
Women holding a baby near a window
Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Maxine's story
Maxine tells us about the multitude of factors that contributed to her mental illness as a new mum, as well as the support she thinks other mothers need to help them stay well.
9 September 2019
Blog
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
Blog
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 different for other mums.
9 September 2019
Blog
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 led to a feeling of failure.
9 September 2019
Blog
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 and manage her depression.
9 September 2019
Blog
Two pictures of Rachel holding her baby Emily
Mental health and the journey to parenthood: Rachel’s story
Rachel experienced anxiety and depression throughout her pregnancy and after her baby was born. Read her story to understand just how important it is that mums and their partners receive the right support for their mental health.
9 September 2019
Blog
Mental health and the journey to parenthood
Find out what's working well for people and what needs to improve when it comes to people about their mental health experiences before, during and after pregnancy, in our new report.
9 September 2019
Report
Magnifying glass
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
Report