Local NHS counselling service offers support for new parents to combat ‘baby blues’
It’s well known that pregnancy, giving birth and having a new baby can be a challenging time. Many women experience the ‘baby blues’ after giving birth due to fluctuating hormones. However, it’s important to get help if you think your mood is getting worse.
Rachael Feltham, Service Manager at Steps2Wellbeing said: “Don’t wait to get in touch with us. A lot of people put off accessing support because they think that feeling low, stressed, or worried during the perinatal period is normal. To a certain extent it is, but having a baby is a big life event and there is support out there specifically for emotional wellbeing during the perinatal period.”
“We understand that having a baby can make it difficult to fit things in, but we can adapt our treatments to support you. For example, having 30-minute telephone appointments or groups where you can bring your baby.”
Steps2Wellbeing has a dedicated perinatal team running Steps4Mums, ParenTalk and Mums Matter groups for new parents. These groups provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment to discuss topics like:
- The impact of having a child
- Comparing yourself to other parents
- Thinking you are not a ‘good enough’ parent
- Feeling anxious about leaving your baby
- Not enjoying being a parent or feeling overwhelmed
The groups provide new parents with strategies and techniques, based on the principle of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to reduce the feeling of worry and negative thoughts.
The perinatal period starts from pregnancy up until a child is one year old. Steps2Wellbeing prioritises treatment for pregnant people and those who have a child under two years old, so it’s important to mention if this applies to you.
You can refer yourself quickly and privately online or over the telephone, with no need for a GP appointment. Go to www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk.