Mental Health Archives - Margaret Maternity https://margaretmaternity.co.uk/category/mental-health/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:49:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/margaretmaternity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Website-Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mental Health Archives - Margaret Maternity https://margaretmaternity.co.uk/category/mental-health/ 32 32 209004833 Playing With Your Newborn Baby https://margaretmaternity.co.uk/playing-with-your-newborn-baby/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:35:17 +0000 http://box5475.temp.domains/~kevincj6/movingtobristol/?p=1466 Playing With Your Newborn Baby​ Playing with your newborn baby is certainly one of the more pleasurable aspects of becoming a parent. To wait in anticipation for that first wide smile and to hear your baby giggle for the first time is a precious moment. Essentially, play is key for your baby’s overall development, learning […]

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Playing With Your Newborn Baby

Playing With Your Newborn Baby​

Playing with your newborn baby is certainly one of the more pleasurable aspects of becoming a parent.

To wait in anticipation for that first wide smile and to hear your baby giggle for the first time is a precious moment.

Essentially, play is key for your baby’s overall development, learning and wellbeing. It develops your baby’s verbal and non-verbal skills.

Additionally, it will teach your baby a variety of motor skills and help to grow their muscle strength.

According to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics, play enhances brain structure and function, allowing us to pursue goals and ignore distractions.

Why Playing With Your Newborn Baby Is Important

Playtime is central to your baby’s learning, well-being and confidence. Your baby will feel loved, happy and safe.

It will help your baby to develop both physical and social skills, similarly build confidence and encourage language and communication.

Here are some engaging ways in which you can play with your newborn baby:

Stretch, Pedal and Tickle​

While laying your baby on a blanket, gently hold their hands while you move their arms up, out to the side, and around.

Give your baby’s toes a little squeeze and pedal their legs. Gentle massage and tickles from the bottom of their feet to the top of their head can offer fun for both parent and baby.

Singing to Your Baby

Your baby likes the familiar sound of your voice and takes great comfort from it.

You don’t need to sound as good as Adele! 

A soft lullaby in the evening as the baby is settling, or something more uplifting coming from your playlist.

Singing to your baby is a soothing way of helping them to settle. 

The familiarity of your voice is comforting and increases the attachment bond with you.

Babies instinctively react to the sound of your voice and respond by communicating their needs and feelings.

In the early weeks, a newborn will start to settle to a familiar voice.

An older baby may react by cooing which is their own way of singing and talking back to you.

Dancing With Your Baby

If there is one thing that babies love its motion; this is something you may already be familiar with. 

Therefore why not slip on your sling or cradle your baby to your favourite tunes?

Dancing can be a welcome distraction, not only for an unsettled baby but for you too.

It promotes the release of feel-good endorphins, which help improve our mood when we’re tired or stressed.

Playing Peek-A-Boo

This activity is sure to bring your baby’s focus and create fun.

Watching Mummy or Daddy disappear underneath a towel, only to suddenly reappear again with a big smile.

This game is not only fun, but starts to teach your baby “object permanence”.

Babies are reassured that as you appear and disappear that you are still there.

What if Your Baby Is Not Engaged in Playtime?

What if your baby is not engaged in playtime?

There might be times when your baby simply isn’t engaged in playtime. 

He or she could just be tired or bored by engaging in the same activity for too long.

Follow your baby’s cues. If they start to repeatedly look away, show signs of restlessness, or start to cry, then it is time to stop playing.

Often your baby is showing you they are tired and it is time to help them settle to sleep.

Babies develop in their own time. The NHS website Start For Life has lots of tips, advice and activities to help you care for your baby.

Talk to your health visitor if you have any questions or concerns.

Playing With Your Newborn Baby Conclusion

Playing with your baby on a regular basis will certainly help with their development in the early weeks and months.

If you find yourself struggling to settle your baby, then feel free to contact Margaret Maternity.

If there is an overseas trip coming up this year then feel free to read my guide on taking your baby overseas for the first time.

 

 

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]]> 1466 Understanding Postnatal Depression https://margaretmaternity.co.uk/understanding-postnatal-depression/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:33:14 +0000 http://box5475.temp.domains/~kevincj6/movingtobristol/?p=1464 Understanding Postnatal Depression​ Understanding Postnatal Depression is still a relatively new discussion in today’s modern society. A few years ago, in preparation for a Maternity Nurse training programme, I was asked to write about the birth of my children. My children were 11 and 7 at the time and in good health. Subsequently, I thought […]

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Understanding Postnatal Depression

Understanding Postnatal Depression​

Understanding Postnatal Depression is still a relatively new discussion in today’s modern society.

A few years ago, in preparation for a Maternity Nurse training programme, I was asked to write about the birth of my children.

My children were 11 and 7 at the time and in good health. Subsequently, I thought I had long moved on from thoughts of my pregnancies and those early years.

No one had ever asked me about the birth of my children. At the time, a good friend commented that I hardly talked about it.

At first, I shrugged it off, I was a new Mum with a premature baby who needed regular visits to the maternity hospital.

I was constantly having to explain ‘corrected age’ due to my son’s premature arrival, having been born nine weeks prior to his due date.

Consequently, this would result in feeling defensive whenever his development was questioned by medical professionals.

On the surface I was coping, in reality, I was a ball of anxiety.

This was in 1998 and awareness of Postnatal Depression didn’t really exist. At least it wasn’t being discussed generally back then, in the way it is recognised now.

This was prior to the explosion of online information in the mainstream. The following resources are a useful guide to understanding more about postnatal depression statistics.

Between 10 to 20% of women can experience postnatal depression and anxiety after giving birth (Perinatal Mental Health, 2019).

This increased to 47.5% during the first COVID 19 Lockdown, according to figures from UCL Researchers in 2021.

Furthermore, 1 in 10 men/partners can also experience postnatal depression as stated in a report by Psycom in 2020.

So as such, the following information is written to provide both the parent and friends and family with signs and symptoms of Postnatal Depression.

Subsequently, recognising and supporting Postnatal Depression and Anxiety.

Signs & Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

Firstly, it is important to know that Postnatal Depression is a treatable condition and there is help and support available.

Signs of Postnatal Depression often occur during the first few months after the birth of a baby. Furthermore, it can also appear at any time during the first year.

Depression

Depression can present as extreme tiredness, feeling tearful and a lack of interest in taking care of yourself. 

Anxiety

You may worry about your health or that of your baby. Anxiety can often result in physical symptoms, particularly headaches and pain in the chest or stomach.

You may feel anxious about going out or meeting up with others, these are natural feelings when dealing with anxiety.

Panic

You may feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks, additionally, you may experience a ‘panicky’ feeling’ and have difficulty breathing.

Tension

Your body often reacts to anxiety. You may feel the tension in your neck, head, shoulders and stomach.

Obsessional and Intrusive Thoughts

This could be about a situation or an activity. Feelings of guilt or anxiety following the birth of your child.

Unable to Sleep

You may feel your mind is racing and it is difficult to relax even when the baby is sleeping.

Loss Of Interest In Sex

This is a common symptom of depression. It is important for partners to realise that this is a cause of the illness and that sexual desire should return.

Feeling Like You Are Going Through The Motions

You can feed, cuddle and settle your baby but not feel any enjoyment.

Some parents describe feeling disconnected, or that they don’t really feel the baby is theirs.

Lack Of Appetite Or Comfort Eating

This is a very common symptom of anxiety and depression. Our emotions are very often connected with food.

Worry a Lot About Your Baby, A Fear of Being Alone With Your Baby

This can feel exhausting. You may feel you are constantly on high alert and unable to relax.

Postnatal Depression Support

Do tell someone how you are feeling, your partner, a friend or a relative.

Are you concerned about the mental health of a relative, loved one or friend following the birth of a baby?

These support services are of use to consider suggesting. Talk to your GP or Health Visitor as a starting point to access help and resources.

Ask to be referred to the local Perimental Health Service.

parent support groups

Keep Talking

Many organisations that support parents with depression and anxiety have telephone and instant messaging support.

Likewise, most are run by parents who have experienced the range of emotions and feelings that you are feeling.

They understand and have lived through it.

  • PANDAS offer instant text support
  • APNI have a chat line and instant box chat

Say Yes To Offers Of Help For Postnatal Depression

It is a gift to your friends and family to help you.

People often want to help but they are not sure of the best way. If someone asks,’ is there anything you need?’ then embrace it.

We are not meant to be isolated when parenting. Start creating your village.

Help can be as simple as making you a hot drink, preparing food, shopping, a listening ear, or some company for an afternoon.

The opportunities are endless.

Put Your Oxygen Mask On

I was very fortunate to be able to work with highly regarded and well-respected Birth Doula Susan Martensen.

Susan taught me the analogy of putting on your oxygen mask (as you would on a plane), in order to be well and care for your family.

Self-care is vital and you may not feel you have the energy or motivation for it.

Be kind to yourself. Start slowly, remind yourself to eat, try and take a walk outside.

Put on some music as a distraction. Try and plan to get out of your home at least once a day.

Try not to add to your anxiety by feeling responsible for everyone around you.

If your partner says they are fine and not stressed, then believe them.

Don’t carry the idea of someone else’s anxiety which may not be there in the first place. Refocus on yourself.

Spend Time Out of the House

When you are feeling anxious or depressed it can be hard to imagine any form of socialising.

Ask a friend or relative to come over and keep you company. Shower, eat during this time, and suggest a walk with them.

Build on this and see if there is a drop-in group for parents and babies nearby. Ask someone to go with you.

Trust in Your Instinct

Spend some time out of the house. I had a client who was very anxious about being alone in the house with her baby. Not to mention, her anxiety would often feel overwhelming and she would start to feel panicky.

She decided to write the 5-4-3-2-1- anxiety plan and post it around the house so that wherever she was she had a reminder of a strategy she could use.

  •   5 things you can see
  •   4 things you can touch
  •   3 things you can hear
  •   2 things you can smell
  •   1 thing you can taste
 

So how can you help someone suffering from postnatal depression or anxiety?

Take Time To Listen And Validate Feelings About Understanding Postnatal Depression

For a person with PND, their experience and feelings are very real to them even if you may see the situation differently.

You don’t need to try and ‘fix’ someone with PND, simply give them your attention and provide a non-judgemental listening ear.

Understanding Postnatal Depression itself is a key skill in winning the battle against PND.

Offer Encouragement To Seek Help And Receive The Treatment Needed

A starting point could be talking to their GP or Health Visitor and asking to be referred to the local Perimental Health Service.

Your partner or friend may be feeling isolated and that they are the only ones experiencing depression or anxiety.

Reassure them that support is available and help them to access it.

Connect With Other Parents Who Have Experience In Understanding Postnatal Depression

This could be parents in your friend’s group or a drop-in programme once a week.

Parents who find understanding postnatal depression should be a natural course of action.

My weekly get-together with other Mums during the first year of my son’s life was my saving grace.

Knowing that someone else was also up in the night or swapping strategies on how to cope.

Subsequently receiving great support with feeding, lack of sleep, teething etc. it also helped reduce the isolation I felt.

Most organisations are now running drop-in groups for Dads run by Dads.

If you feel your partner is not ready to reach out, then try and encourage them to meet up with another Dad in your friend group.

Have a Look for Understanding Postnatal Depression Groups in Your Area

Children’s Centres are a good starting point, often running support programmes and drop-in groups for parents and babies.

These organisations have an excellent understanding of Postnatal Depression.

Some organisations such as Bluebell Care will have a buddy system in place. This helps build confidence in seeking help and attending building confidence to socialise.

The Pandas Foundation offers instant text support and APNI have a chatline and instant box chat.

Offer Practical Help

This can be in the form of shopping, preparing meals and helping with the housework.

Encourage the practice and importance of self-care. Ask your relative/friend what they used to enjoy before the baby arrived.

Reassure them that this is a very important aspect of recovery.

  • Self-care can be as simple as an uninterrupted time to enjoy a shower/bath and dry their hair
  • Exercise, walk in the park, swim
  • Taking a short walk to a cafe and grabbing a coffee
  • Time with friends or family
  • Listening to music
  • Time spent cuddling their baby.  rather than focusing on feeding and trying to settle them

Encourage Time Out - And for You Too!

taking time out

It takes a lot of energy to care for a baby and support one another.

Both of you need time to recharge. In the early weeks, it is so busy that it is hard to fit this in, but it is doable.

I always talk to my clients about what they enjoyed doing before their routine changed with a baby.

This could be exercising, meeting with friends, being with family, music, or cooking. almost anything.

What can you incorporate so you can switch off for a short while? Start small, 20 minutes to yourself can feel like a luxury.

And finally, this will pass, it really will. It may not feel like it, but how you are feeling, the situation you are in, it will not be forever. 

Hopefully, you will now have a better knowledge of understanding Postnatal Depression.

Further Postnatal Depression Resources For Understanding Postnatal Depression

The Birth Trauma Association – supports anyone affected by birth trauma, including partners. Tel: 01264 860380

Maternal OCD –  supports people experiencing perinatal OCD, and family members. Mail: info@maternalocd.org

Dads in Mind – offer both group and 1:1 support to dads supporting their partners with mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

Furthermore, experience depression/anxiety related to their own new role as a parent.

Currently operating in the West Country region. Mail adrian@dadsinmind.org

If you are bringing your newborn baby home for the first time you may find this article useful.

Margaret Maternity provides remote Maternity Nurse Services for parents of unsettled babies, for more information take a look at Margaret Maternity’s Online Clinic.

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]]> 1464 4 Mental Health Resources for New Parents https://margaretmaternity.co.uk/mental-health-resources-for-new-parents/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:23:51 +0000 http://box5475.temp.domains/~kevincj6/movingtobristol/?p=1451 4 Mental Health Resources for New Parents Mental health issues are a common occurrence among parents of newborn and young babies. UK Government figures suggest that Perinatal Mental Health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy in the first year. It is worth considering that these figures are from women only. Furthermore, […]

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4 mental health resources for new parents

4 Mental Health Resources for New Parents

Mental health issues are a common occurrence among parents of newborn and young babies. 

UK Government figures suggest that Perinatal Mental Health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy in the first year.

It is worth considering that these figures are from women only.

Furthermore, these are only the mothers that have reported feeling unwell.

What of those Mothers who have not sought medical advice or support? 

Or Fathers, partners and other family members who have felt a decrease in mental health since the arrival of a newborn baby.

Fortunately, there are now an increasing amount of supportive organisations on hand. 

Helping families cope with mental health issues when a new family member arrives.

Here are 4 Mental Health Resources for New Parents:

1. NCT

NCT is the UK’s leading charity for parents, right through your pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Every year, NCT supports thousands of expectant and new parents across the UK.

Offering a wide range of support to empower parents of newborn babies and infants.

The organisation supports and empowers over 80,000 parents every year through a variety of services tailored to meet their needs.

Including antenatal and postnatal courses delivered by skilled practitioners. Additionally, a range of free community-based activities and events led by fantastic volunteers.

Furthermore, highly valued breastfeeding and infant feeding support is provided by specialist NCT breastfeeding counselors.

In addition, a range of trained peer support programs supports women and families facing specific challenges.

These include topics such as social isolation, feeding difficulties, or poor mental health.

For further information about NCT, their website can be found here.

Dad Matters Mental Health

2. Dad Matters

Lancashire-based Dad Matters is an organisation aimed at supporting Dads through childbirth and beyond.

Established in 2017, this particular organisation is run for Dads by Dads.

The service offers support for the common mental health challenges that can and often develop for Dad’s, such as stress and anxiety and a lack of sleep.

Dad Matters have a very active social media program, allowing followers to engage in discussion via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

With over 13,000 social media followers it is clear to see that the movement for offering support to Dads of newborn babies is strong.

A following that continues to grow. Offering Dad’s a place to share and to listen to other examples of Dad’s. Those who have overcome mental health challenges post-child-birth.

For more information about Dad Matters, take a look at the website, with social media links available at the bottom of the front page.

3. NHS Mental Health Help

The National Health Service speaks for itself.

Formed in 1948 the NHS was brought about through hard work and dedication from those that truly believed in new ideas about services, health and medical ethics.

As the second-largest single-payer healthcare system in the world, the NHS provides an informative online resource.

Covering a  wide variety of mental health topics, with advice, support and guidance offered for symptoms of:

– Stress
– Anxiety
– Depression
– OCD

There are several solutions offered by the NHS to help support Mental Health issues.

Aside from medicine, the NHS also offers self-help and talking therapies.

These are additional options to help improve mental well-being.

4. Pandas

Pandas are an organisation specifically created to support families who experience Post-natal Depression.

Essentially, Pandas consist of a team of trained and dedicated volunteers.

Many of whom are studying and/or working within healthcare, midwifery, or health services.

A free helpline is available for support and advice with empathy.

Subsequently, lines are open 7 days a week, 11 am until 10 pm.

Additionally, support can be found via text message, e-mail, online, and face-to-face support groups.

The Pandas Foundation can be found by clicking here.

Additional Help

As a highly experienced Maternity Nurse and mother of a son and daughter both now of adult age. I am able to provide specific support.

Both of my pregnancies were high risk, resulting in premature birth and requiring time in NICU.

Furthermore, the combination of these two experiences drove me to become a Maternity Nurse, something I have been doing successfully since 2009.

Are you concerned about your mental health postnatally? If so I can assist and support you with the essential aspects of caring for a newborn or infant child.

This enables parents to build a support network for the immediate and longer term. In turn, creating a happy and settled family environment.

Feel free to reach out to me to discuss any postnatal concerns you may have. Alternatively, you may also find my article 5 Tips For Self Care useful to read.

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