Our perinatal pioneering support group  this week reached a mile stone first birthday  -  and their special babies were top of the guest list.

Ther group was set up a year ago  to support women through the emotionals up and downs of pregnancy. Women are more likely to experience complications with their mental health during pregnancy and after birth than to develop any physical problem.

With this in mind, our Trust appointed a perinatal mental health midwife, Bev Waterhouse, pictured, who helps to provide and plan the care of women who may need additional support.

Bev set up a support group to bring together women experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the aim of the group is to reassure women that it is very common to develop problems with their emotional health, and to provide simple advice and referral on to other agencies if needed.

The group also provides a valuable opportunity to hear feedback on care received, and look at possible ways of improving services.

The group has now been running for a year, and the first mum who attended is celebrating her son’s first birthday this week. The group had an impromptu party and all the previous attendees brought their own new babies along.

Here is some of the lovely feedback Bev received by those who regularly attend the group:

• I wanted to make friends and have support during my recovery. I wasn’t expecting anyone else to feel like me – it was nice to feel like I wasn’t alone.
• I enjoyed having a break from the kids for 2 hours! Being able to talk in an environment with people who understand was helpful. I have found the support invaluable.
• To hear other stories and to be able to tell mine, to moan, to complain, to talk and to be listened by people with similar emotions, thoughts, fears,… without feeling judged.
• Initially I was wary about attending and didn’t want to be labelled as a pregnant woman with ‘issues’. I was also worried about being judged or my ability to care for my baby may have been questioned due to how I felt but this was not the case. I felt welcomed and at ease – thank you Bev
• I enjoyed meeting new mums and sharing our stories with each other
• I was hoping to meet people who were anxious like me – it’s been so reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who has these thoughts!! I thought I was being stupid. It was nice to listen to other people’s stories and people I could relate to.
• I enjoyed coming to the group because I liked the girls and I liked listening and sharing stories. I felt that it was like a security blanket and it really got me through my pregnancy.

The group runs every Tuesday evening at CRH in the parentcraft room, between 6-8pm. For further information, please contact Bev Waterhouse on 07468715682