9th – 15th May is Mental Health Awareness Week but what many don’t know is that 2nd-8th May is Maternal mental health awareness too so there is no better time to speak up about our mental health as mums.
While welcoming a new baby into the world is a cause for celebration, it can also be a difficult time. If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone.
Finding ways to look after yourself that fit in with your responsibilities can make a huge difference to your mental health.
We’ve put together some key tips to help you through.
1- Build your support network
It’s reassuring to talk to other new parents and finding that they are sharing the same difficulties. You will also find this allows you to share skills learnt from experiences allowing you to feel more confident a new parent.
You can also try going to local parent and baby groups. This may feel daunting at first so try and find an activity that allows a distraction as well as talking to other parents.
You can also ask your doctor or midwife about antenatal groups.
Alternatively, there are specialist organisations such as NCT to help new parents develop their support networks and look after their mental health.
Websites like netmums have forums where you can talk to other parents. Mind runs an online peer support community called Side by Side for anyone who wants support for their mental health.
2- Manage daily tasks
Coping with day to day tasks while pregnant or while looking after a new baby can be tough going so finding ways to manage these tasks can the pressure off.
· Firstly, accept help! If you have people close to you who want to help, offer to do something around the house or cook you a meal – let them.
· Try to cook your meals in advance. If you can batch-cook meals and freeze them, this will save time as well as allow you to rest when you need to and have access to fast, healthy meals when you’re not feeling your best
· Take it slowly. It’s easy to become overwhelmed so set yourself a realistic time such as 20 minutes to get as much of a task done as possible such as sorting the washing. 20 minute intervals feels much more manageable.
· Don’t put pressure on yourself. It’s unlikely you will be able to keep up with everything you used to do around the house. Try not to get frustrated when you don’t do the things you planned to do.
3- Look after yourself
I know that sounds simple but it’s often forgotten.
· Make time to keep action. Head out for a walk with the pram, dance to music in your 20 minute cleaning intervals, some yoga during naps. Physical activity can boost your mood.
· Sleep – I know it seems impossible but finding time to rest whenever you can is so important. If you can, ask your partner to help with night feeds.
· Take time out to relax. Whatever helps you unwind – reading a book, watching tv, art and crafts etc.
Did you know, one in five women experience a perinatal mental health problem and there are a number of ways you can get support.
Click the links below for more support.
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