Maternity Health

28/04/2026

🥰A Little Message...🥰

28/04/2026

🌟Supporting someone with anxiety or depression🌟

Its a long read so grab a cuppa...☕

Anxiety and depression can have a devastating effect on a new family. As well as denying parents the joy that’s expected to come with a new baby, this experience can wear couples down to the point that they feel like strangers.

If your partner or family member has anxiety or depression, it can be hard to know how to help. It might seem like nothing you try makes them feel any better, and you might end up feeling helpless and frustrated as a result.

-What you can do to help-
~🔹~ Remember that you are a support person, not a health professional. You don’t have to know everything or provide advice so focus on providing practical help and emotional support.

~🔹~ Be guided by your partner as to what sort of support they need. Accept that this will change (often from moment to moment!)

~🔹~ Try to validate their experiences or worries and understand that these are very real for the person experiencing them.

~🔹~ Don’t dismiss their feelings or concerns, even if you think these issues are not rational or in proportion to the situation.

It can be helpful to think of postnatal anxiety or depression as a crisis that, with support and treatment, will pass. This doesn’t mean that it’s not serious or distressing – but it doesn’t have to last forever.

-What to say-

Reinforcing that they’re not alone and that it’s not their fault can help them move past feelings of shame and guilt, which is often an important step towards seeking professional support.

Try saying things like:
“You donʼt have to suffer – if it gets too hard, you can ask for support.”
“You’re not the only one – plenty of other women go through this we can get help.”
“This is something that’s happening to you. It’s not your fault – this is a health condition and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Anxiety and depression wonʼt go away on its own – we need to get support.”
“I’m here for you, and we can do this together. But if we leave it, the situation will get worse.”
“I understand that you can’t see how things can get better, but lots of women have gone through this and come out the other side, lets do it together.”

There are plenty of ways you can help your partner. These are NOT among them:

🔸DON’T Take things personally
People experiencing anxiety or depression can sometimes lash out at those closest to them, or say negative, hurtful things that they don’t necessarily mean. Recognise when the condition is talking and try not to take it on board.

🔸DON’T Make big life decisions
Now may not the best time to make big life decisions about things like your relationship, career or your house. There’s plenty of time to make changes in the future.

🔸DON’T Try to ‘fix’ things
You don’t need to solve every problem or always be ‘right’. It can be hard to put this aside, especially if you’re used to being the ‘fixer’, but don’t underestimate how helpful it can be to simply listen.

🔸DO NOT Beat yourself up
When you do the wrong thing or get frustrated with each other, it’s easy to blame yourself. Try to stay on the same side in the battle against anxiety and depression. Accept that sometimes this won’t happen, but it’s how you repair things between you that’s more important

Lastly... and probably most importantly:
Taking care of yourself and your own health is really important and will help you be the best support you can be for them. It’s important to recognise that this is hard on you too – Get support for yourself if you need it. 💜

27/04/2026

We are taking part in the Generation Study!

Test your baby for 200+ genetic conditions. Join the study and contribute to research that could lead to new treatments.

Sign up when you’re pregnant and the test will happen shortly after birth.
Taking part is free and optional, and you can always withdraw.

Visit the website for more information and to register your interest: https://orlo.uk/muDzB
Genomics England

27/04/2026

27/04/2026

22/04/2026

Is your ex bombarding you with unwanted texts, emails or messages? Is the constant unwanted contact making you feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable or frightening you?
Stalking after a relationship has ended poses a real threat of harm. Trust your instincts and please reach out for help through Compass, call 0330 333 7 444 or visit their website https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=stalking_campaign

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

🌟Perinatal Pathways Screening Tool🌟

If you or your partner are struggling with any aspect of your mental health please check out this link.

The Perinatal Pathways Screening Tool provides an evidence based platform to screening, signposting and support to an appropriate level according to need for perinatal mental health.
Its a series of questions which then assesses levels of risk, gives a summary and suggests next steps in getting the right level of support.

This tool can be used in pregnancy, post-delivery and by partners, it is anonymous and will offer advice what to do next.

Sadly partners / fathers often get overlooked when it comes to antenatal and postnatal depression and many don't want to admit they are struggling... this tool acknowledges and validates how they are feeling and will signpost to services to support them - so please tell them about it.

https://perinatalpathways.com/

21/04/2026

Baby crying is normal. There are many things that you can try to comfort your baby during this time.

Things to try:

▪️ Breastfeed - breastfeeding is a powerful tool to calm your baby and you
▪️ Change their nappy
▪️ Holding them close to you - this calms you both down (you can go back to skin-to-skin)
▪️ Sing or chat to them- the sound of your voice will calm them
▪️ Bath them
▪️ Take them for a walk - use your pram or better still, in your baby sling. Being close to you reassures them and calms them down

These won’t work all of the time - if you need a break, that is ok.

For more information visit: www.iconcope.org

CRY-SIS National Help Line: 08451 228669. Lines open 7 days a week, 9am-10pm. Remember – if you are concerned that your baby may be unwell, contact your GP or NHS 24 (go to www.nhs24.scot or call 111 - the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In an emergency, ring 999.

21/04/2026

We need to talk about something nobody really warns you about. You can love your baby with everything you have and still find bonding hard. Both things can be true. ❤️

This week, PANDAS is running our It Takes Time spotlight. This week will be seven days of honest conversation about bonding including what it really looks like, why it can be harder than anyone tells you, and where to find support if you need it. We'll also be sharing real stories from real parents and talking to midwives and therapists.

If the moment they placed your baby in your arms didn't feel like the movies and if you felt numb, or scared, or strangely empty when you expected to feel full, then this week is for you.

And we'll be saying, clearly and as often as we can that struggling to bond with your baby does not make you a bad parent. It makes you human. ❤️

We'd love to share your stories throughout the week too. Simply use the hashtag and tag PANDAS so we can see it and reshare.