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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2023
Maternal Mental Health and Wellbeing
"We all find it difficult to look after our mental health, but as mothers we really struggle to give ourselves permission, find the time, or even know how.” - Sara Campin, Founder of Nourish
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1 in 5 women suffer mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year after birth (Royal College of Psychiatrists)
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1 in 2 mothers with mental health issues are undiagnosed and struggle alone without treatment support (NCT Research)
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Impact of Covid-19: 81% of parents in the UK said their mental health was affected by the first lockdown (Motherdom survey)
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Just 10% of parents considered their mental health when preparing for their babies (Kate's 5 Big Questions)
We asked mums: What three emotions did you experience most in early motherhood?
Journeys with motherhood and mental health
Mandy's first daughter had severe eczema as a baby, and Mandy felt solely responsible for making her better, which became overwhelming. It became twisted in her mind and she found herself in a big dark hole. Meeting other mums was the main source of support for Mandy when her second child arrived. Mandy is now an expert in perinatal mental health and founder of Mother for Life, helping other mums creating mother circles.
Bex was diagnosed with postnatal depression and supported on her journey to recovery. She struggled with the transition from being a career woman, to being at home with a newborn, from naps to nappies, with only Netflix for company.
She has now found her feet as a mother as her daughter, Isabelle, has become a toddler. Bex Oxtoby is a best-selling author of the book Mum's the Word: The sh*t nobody tells you about parenthood until it's too late
In becoming a Mother Lou discovered that the "magical, precious first few weeks of motherhood" was far from reality. She felt unprepared, overwhelmed and worried that her experience was not normal. She realised that actually her "old self" was still there underneath it all and that it was okay to acknowledge that sometimes motherhood is tough but that better days will come. Lou is also known as the Mama Mojo Coach. You can find her on Instagram @live_well_with_lou
Thalia had a tough start to motherhood, with a tough first year. From a difficult fertility journey to a baby who slept very little Thalia discovered she had postnatal depression. Chronic sleep deprivation had a huge impact on her mental health. She encourages other Mums to reach out and ask for help which she had not realised was option in that first year. Thalia Pellegrini is a BANT-registered Nutritional Therapist (FdSc DipION BANT CNHC), known as the Knackered Mums’ Nutritionist.
Watch more stories on our YouTube Channel
More support
The Real Deal
Video Journeys
If you are feeling triggered by something you have seen, or you would like to speak to someone about your mental health, find more help via our Resources page.
Read real stories of motherhood, from our campaign the Real Deal, including common challenges and emotions that mothers meet along the way.
We interviewed mums about their own journeys with motherhood and mental health - what they found challenging, and what supported them on their journey to recovery.
About the Nourish App
The Nourish App makes it easier for mums to proactively take care of their mental health and wellbeing with a multi-disciplinary app, packed with self-care tools and support tailored to the specific challenges and emotions experienced by mums.
