by Mothers Helpers Founder Kristina Paterson It took me 18 months to go and get some help for the way that I was feeling. 9 of those months I was anxious throughout my pregnancy but the midwife didn't pick up on it. In the first week after my baby was born, I had a new midwife, and she said to me that if I was still crying by day 7 (hours of crying every day), then I'd have to go and see the doctor as I may have postnatal depression. So I forced myself to stop crying. I … [Read more...] about From One Mum to Another
PND
A Letter To All Mums with Postnatal Depression
Dear Mums, It is the last day of Postnatal Depression Awareness week for 2014. Usually, I am out there planning an event, fundraising for the cause, creating awareness. This year, I am taking care of my own health after a series of stressful events that has prompted me with the little reminder "Kristina, take care of yourself!" You see, like you, I suffer with depression. Sadly, Postnatal Depression was my second major depressive episode and for many reasons, I never fully … [Read more...] about A Letter To All Mums with Postnatal Depression
A Young Mums Story
I was so excited to find out I was pregnant! I had been with my partner for 5yrs, I was only 20 but have serious back problems and was told by a surgeon at the hospital to have a baby young (since he didnt think my back would cope with the recovery of pregnancy and childbirth). The pregnancy was horrible; terrible morning sickness, extreme back pain which caused pelvis trouble. At 7 months pregnant I was on crutches with pelvic belts and regular physio... With all this I was beyond excited to … [Read more...] about A Young Mums Story
PND Can Happen to Anyone
Postnatal Depression week is 17-25 November. Our theme is “Breaking the Silence”… In the spirit of that theme, Mothers Helpers will be posting on our blog stories of mums who have battled postnatal depression. This is Ruth Sell's story... Before having kids I really believed I could handle anything. I was a successful Advertising executive, I had travelled the world on my own and had come through many personal challenges, I had never suffered serious depression. Not much was said about PND … [Read more...] about PND Can Happen to Anyone
Girl, You Need a Break!
Why You Need a Break What an understatement! The reason why Mothers Helpers provides mums suffering from postnatal depression (with no support system to help) with volunteers to help with childcare and housework is simply because we know how vital having a regular break is to recovery. Motherhood is relentless. It is a 24hr/day, 7 days/week job. For many of us with young babies or with babies that don't sleep well, even night times are not our own to get sufficient rest. But too often, … [Read more...] about Girl, You Need a Break!
Keys to Preventing & Recovering from PND
Risk Factors for Postnatal Depression Those more at-risk of developing postnatal depression have one or more of the following: Previous Depressive episode Relationship/marriage difficulties Financial difficulties Poor family support Single mother Young mother (ie. under the age of 22yo) Having difficulty breastfeeding Baby with colic/reflux or illness Other significant stress, eg. death in the family If you are currently pregnant, Mothers Helpers can provide you with a wide range of … [Read more...] about Keys to Preventing & Recovering from PND
