Research says 77% of women experience loneliness during pregnancy and early motherhood
- 77% of women experience feelings of loneliness during pregnancy and early motherhood according to new research by the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences and the HSE Dublin South Kildare and West Wicklow area.
To mark World Maternal Mental Health Day, which takes place today, Wednesday May 1st 2024, the HSE are raising public awareness of maternal mental health difficulties, to advocate for women affected, change attitudes and empower women and families by helping them to access information, care and support that they need to recover and thrive.
The LETS CONNECT campaign aims to encourage people to Talk, Connect and Empower.
Talk: To encourage conversations about maternal mental health and the loneliness that can be
experienced after having a baby, and in the process reduce stigma.
Connect: To make connections with new mothers in our communities to help combat loneliness.
Empower: To empower women to look after their mental health in pregnancy and beyond,
by connecting women and families with the information, care, and support they need.
Niamh Crudden, Co-Chair for Perinatal and Infant Health Working Group, HSE Dublin South Kildare West Wicklow said, “With this campaign we want to encourage conversations about maternal mental health and the loneliness that can be experienced after having a baby. We want to highlight the importance of making connections with new mothers in our communities to help combat loneliness and empower women to look after their mental health in pregnancy and beyond, by connecting women and families with the information, care, and support they need.
I would like to acknowledge the working group ‘Minding me’, representing statutory community and voluntary organisations who are part of the perinatal and infant mental health working group. This team is coming together to build on the resources and supports that are available directly to women who attend services and professionals caring for women every day. The work of the RCSI Positive Health Sciences provides a key resource, which is fundamental to this work and a welcomed development for women in communities across Ireland.”
Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer for HSE Dublin and Midlands, “I am delighted to give my support to the ‘Lets Connect’ campaign which aims to empower and support women to look after their mental health and wellbeing. Having just had a new baby I can relate to the highs and lows of motherhood and the importance of support and connections. By coming together with key voluntary and community partners we can empower, inform, and have a positive and potentially longer-term impact on wellbeing. This work also demonstrates the value of research collaboratively with our academic colleagues providing insights for our community, which can enrich the work of the frontline health services.”
Dr. Sabrina Coyle, Senior Clinical Psychologist in Specialist Perinatal Mental Health at The Coombe Hospital said, “Towards the end of pregnancy there is a natural reduction of social circles as everything becomes focused in on preparing to welcome your baby to the world. This continues in the early days and weeks postpartum as all of your energy focusses in on caring for and nurturing your baby and managing life day to day. Yet we know social support and connections with others are critical for staying healthy and well during this time. So this campaign encourages all new Mums to reach out and connect with others in their community. Remember no matter what your experience, there are other Mums out there who’ve had a similar experience. Don’t be afraid to talk and don’t let any barriers within hold you back.”
There is a range of activities taking place within the community including;
- The area based childhood programme ‘Family Matters’ in Ballyfermot are facilitating a number of baby massage groups to promote the theme of the campaign and share the ‘Let’s Connect Ribbon’.
- Adult mental health staff are holding engagement sessions with Public Health Nurse and with new mother's and their babies. The aim is to discuss the emotional changes which can happen after having a baby, mental health difficulties following delivery and the changes which can occur in daily lives, expectation's, stress, impact of lack of sleep and isolation and to share experiences.
- RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences in conjunction the HSE Dublin South Kildare and West Wicklow have launched www.themotherhoodprogramme.ie a resource dedicated to fostering the well-being of expectant and new mothers, addressing the unique challenges they face during pregnancy and early motherhood. The programme has a focus on promoting mental wellness by providing a range of resources, support services, and educational materials tailored to the needs of mothers and their families. It includes stories of women across Ireland as well as some tools and techniques to support wellbeing in areas including stress management, relationships, and sleep.
Key features of the Motherhood Programme include:
- Online resources and information on maternal mental health and wellbeing
- The Motherhood Podcast series sharing results from research conducted in Ireland and stories from women across Ireland
- Resources and exercises on coping strategies and self-care techniques to support wellbeing during motherhood
FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN
You can also follow the campaign on our social media channels and you can reshare the content to your page using the #maternalmentalhealthmatters #mindingmeDSKWW #letsconnect
Twitter: @HSECHO7
Instagram: @DSKWWCH
For More Information
For more information or to request resources for Kildare, West Wicklow please contact Niamh Crudden, HSE Resource Office for Suicide Prevention, Kildare, West Wicklow
Email: Niamh.crudden@hse.ie
For more information or to request resources for Dublin South please contact Emma Reilly, HSE Child Health Development Officer, Dublin South County
Email: Emma.Reilly1@hse.ie
