Association for Post Natal Illness

27/02/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wX_-_zEcFphVU9swRZim0xfzfgeUkTBP/view?usp=sharing

NHS run online course for anyone in the Bradford area.

23/02/2026

Postnatal depression can appear weeks or even months after birth.

It doesn’t always begin straight away. It doesn’t always look how people expect. And it doesn’t always come with obvious signs.

Sometimes it shows up quietly. As exhaustion that doesn’t lift, anxiety that won’t settle, feeling numb, overwhelmed, tearful, or simply not like yourself.

Many mothers feel pressure to “be okay” once the early days have passed. But struggling later on is just as real. And just as valid.

If you’re finding things harder than you thought you would, please know you are not failing. You are not weak. And you are not alone.

Post-natal depression is common. It is treatable. And support makes a difference.

Please reach out today. We are here for you. ❤️

19/02/2026

We have been asked to share this research study being conducted by Chelsea Hughes from University of Liverpool. Please see below for more details.

Chelsea adds: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health problems that can occur during or after pregnancy. Around 16% of women experience it while pregnant and 17% after giving birth. PPD involves strong and lasting feelings of sadness or low mood that begin during pregnancy or within the first four weeks after the baby is born. As PPD is so common, accurate tools to identify it early are essential. However, only two out of ten commonly used screening tools were specifically designed for postpartum depression: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale. Concerns have been raised about the EPDS, including unclear questions and difficulty detecting depression. Both tools miss symptoms that are specific to pregnancy and the early postpartum period, even though physical symptoms are more common in women with depression and may help predict who develops PPD. This project aims to better understand the experiences of women within the first year after childbirth who have been diagnosed with depression. Interviews will be conducted with 18–20 women, using open-ended questions about their diagnosis, symptoms, support networks, and relationships. The information gathered will be analysed to find common themes that could help develop questions for a new screening tool. These findings could benefit healthcare providers, mental health professionals, caregivers, families, and policymakers by improving the quality of care for women across England. Results will be shared through a public engagement meeting at the University of Liverpool, along with posters and leaflets summarising key points.

10/02/2026

Trust the process of healing and know that recovery will happen - the dark days won’t last and until they pass we are here to help and support you along the way so do get in touch.
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06/02/2026

Supporting someone with post-natal depression can be hard on your own mental health. Your wellbeing matters too. We’re here to offer support and advice to anyone helping a loved one through Post-natal depression. Reach out today ❤️

03/02/2026

A little reminder to have hope on your postnatal journey, it can seem as though things will never get easier and the days can feel long, but there really will be a light at the end of the tunnel and things will improve. Give yourself time.

Do speak to your GP along the way and see what they can offer and also remember that we are here for you too, especially when the days feel bleak or tough.

We can offer reassurance and support as often as needed until things start to feel easier.

You are not alone.

29/01/2026

An article in The Guardian Uk shows just how many new parents are struggling.

This serves as a reminder that you are not alone if you too are finding things tougher than you had hoped or expected and that getting as much support as early as possible it really can make a positive difference to your postnatal journey to recovery.

We offer a helpline and more here at APNI, and we can also signpost you to other services that may be helpful too - M&B groups and more.

Do contact us here for a confidential chat as a first port of call as soon as you feel something isn’t right. Getting some advice and reassurance in those early days can make such a difference.

We are here for you and you are never alone and do be reassured that no matter how awful things may feel right now, it really won’t feel this way forever.

26/01/2026

Sometimes it’s hard to express yourself when you’re struggling with postnatal depression — and that’s okay

You don’t need the right words. You don’t need to explain everything. Even a call just to say “I don’t know what to say” is enough.

We’re here for you, always. We can still help.

Please reach out. You are not alone. 💛

15/01/2026

Postnatal depression isn’t always visible in the usual ways. Smiles, laughter, and daily routines can hide the struggle.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low after giving birth, know that you are not alone. 💛
Support is available. Reach out to us today. Video by Sarah Chai from Pexels

14/01/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Elaine for choosing APNI as the charity she is supporting through her fundraising hike in memory of her beloved daughter, Lauren. 💙

Efforts like Elaine's help us continue to be here for anyone affected by postnatal depression. If you need support, you can reach us via our helpline, email, or live chat. We also have a strong volunteer network of mums with lived experience of PND who have recovered and are here to support you. You are not alone. Reach out today. Apni.org

Help Elaine Cooke raise money to support The Association for Post-natal Illness

06/01/2026

Lovely little clip of PNI - happy birthday to ForMed Films.
Anyone who has had a baby and things aren't quite as happy or joyful as expected do know that this is the norm for thousands of other parents too and the best thing you can do is share your feeling asap, either with your partner/family/friends, or an organisation like us here at APNI where we all have years of experience supporting parents who are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
Having a chat with someone who has knowledge and awareness of all the horrible symptoms that can come along with Postnatal Illness really can be a turning point in how you feel and help you to let go of any guilt or feelings of failure which are just not justified.
PNI is as much your fault as if you slipped in the snow and broke your leg - it can literally affect anyone for no real reason other than fluctuating hormones, lack of sleep or any other circumstances that could make you feel anxious.
Speak to your HV, your GP or one of us here and before long you will have a more positive outlook, the days will become easier and you will see that you should be kind and patient with yourself and let go of any blame or shame you are aiming at yourself.
You didn't cause any of the horrible feelings you may be experiencing and this really will pass and you WILL be the happy mum or dad you had envisaged you would be.
You are not alone and we are solely here to offer help, reassurance and support. We are all parents and have been working here for over 5 yrs helping to make parents postnatal journey that little bit easier until you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Contact us asap and see what a positive difference it can make to share, offload and feel heard.

We are feeling SO PROUD and lucky to have been here for 11 years today! With huge thanks to collaborators, clients and funders, huge gratitude to our talent...