Healthwatch wants to know more about you and your partner’s experience of mental health support during pregnancy, at the birth of your child and afterwards.
Did you know? As many as 1 in 5 pregnant women and new mums experience some form of mental health challenge. And, it’s not just mothers that face mental health challenges during pregnancy and after the arrival of a new born, fathers are affected too. Around 1 in 10 fathers experience similar symptoms to those mothers get during postnatal depression.
Dr Andy Mayers, an expert in perinatal mental health at Bournemouth University, explains:
“Men are 47 times more likely to be at risk of suicide after they’ve had a baby than at any other time. So, it’s really important that this Healthwatch England survey is completed by fathers, as well as mothers, to help us learn more about their experiences. If you or someone you know has recently become a parent, please encourage them to complete this short survey – it only takes 5 minutes and with your help we really can make a difference.”
Andy has made a short video appeal for Healthwatch Dorset, to encourage more fathers to take part in the maternal mental health survey through social media:
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/HealthwatchE/status/1042361515884642305
The NHS is spending more money on maternal mental health support but Healthwatch wants to know if this is making a difference. They need your help to discover whether services are doing everything they can to support people with mental health challenges during and after pregnancy to ensure the whole family is supported. Please share your experience and encourage anyone you know who might be affected to complete this short survey.
Healthwatch Dorset works with local people to discover what’s really going on in health and care services across the county. They offer free independent information to help you find your way through the system and use your feedback to influence the way local services are provided.
You can find out more and take part in the survey at this link: www.healthwatch.co.uk/having-baby-and-effect-your-mental-health
