January 23rd marks National Maternal Health Awareness Day.
This is a day to bring attention to what mothers go through during and after birth, both physically and mentally. The changes mothers experience can vary based on the individual, and days like these can create conversations that allow mothers to open up about what they’ve gone through and find the help they need.
Dorset Mind, a local charity focussed on mental health, created the adult group Mothers in Mind. This is for mothers struggling with mental health issues to talk to each other.
The sessions run for six weeks and last for two hours, allowing attendees to discuss subjects such as anxiety, grief, stress and loneliness.
Support groups are important to make people not feel alone, and that is the main aim of Mothers in Mind. They are creating a space where women can explore their experiences of motherhood, reduce feelings of isolation, and develop supportive peer connections.
They are also determined to make mental health support more accessible for mothers in Dorset. They want better continuity of care, and more collaborative working between health, mental health and community services.
The Mothers in Mind project lead, Erica Johnson, said: “Many people don’t realise how common maternal mental health difficulties are and that they can affect anyone. There is often an expectation that pregnancy and early motherhood should be a happy time, which can make it harder for women to speak openly when they are struggling.”
“Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious or low does not mean someone is failing as a parent.” She added.
The group has been successful in making women feel less lonely during motherhood, shown in feedback from 2023 that can be read on their website which says: “A fantastic service that provides a safe, secure place where I feel comfortable to share my feelings.”
The NHS also have recommendations for mothers dealing with mental health issues, such as contacting Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a charity that is fighting for better support for mothers.
Maternal Health Awareness Day is important because these charities are not common information and are not always provided to mothers, so alongside bringing awareness to what mothers experience both physically and mentally, it also brings awareness to the foundations put in place to provide mothers with the help they may need.
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