Talk to others
Many new mums feel lonely, isolated & lack confidence in themselves faced with the challenges of being a new parent - you are not the only one!
Depression can heighten these feelings - talking to others and realising they feel the same can help. Be gentle with yourself, depression can sap you of your energy & resolve. If you feel that you can, try one of the following:
Post a message on our Find a friend board. Exchange e-mails and maybe arrange to meet up - there are lots of mums in Hereford who would would love a coffee & a chat!
Post a message on herefordmums Forum to seek advice from other mums or try the following links to forums and e-groups discussing PND:
Click on the ITV link and type 'postnatal depression' in the search box
- itv.com forum
- Mother's Voice forum
Search our listings for a Toddler group, they are not just for toddlers but for babies from birth too. Try to ignore that horrible 'new girl at school feeling' that most of us have experienced and go anyway - many have volunteers who can introduce you to a friendly mum!
Helplines
Several associations offer a helpline, call them if you need help:
Meet a Mum Association
0845 120 3746 7pm - 10pm weekdays
The Association for Postnatal Illness
020 7386 0868
A network of volunteers take calls
Counsellors
Lisa Tanner lisatanner@tiscali.co.uk 07925 972127
A Worcestershire mum with 4 little girls, Lisa is a qualified nurse & counsellor. She offers counselling & will assist in obtaining your medical notes and also accompany you to maternity units to discuss the birth with the health care professionals involved
www.counselling-directory.org.uk
A very comprehsnsive site with a search facility to help you find a local counsellor
www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk
The Hypnotherapy Directory team is passionate about increasing awareness of the positive benefits hypnotherapy can achieve.
We have seen and experienced first hand how important support for emotional issues can be. Our partner website, Counselling Directory, was launched when a close friend of ours only had access to limited information at a time when they desperately needed emotional support. Counselling Directory provides everything we wish we’d had access to in our times of need. We believe Hypnotherapy Directory extends this help to those seeking alternative methods of treatment
The National Childbirth Trust in Herefordshire
The NCT is a charity supporting parents throughout the UK. Your local branch in Hereford is run by a friendly bunch of local parents who offer support, information & a shoulder to lean on. As well as regular social events (with & without the kids). View our NCT page for further details
Start a support group
The Meet a Mum Association was founded by Esther Rantzen after her experience of postnatal depression. One of the key services of MAMA is to put mums in touch with other mums directly.
MAMA can also help you if you wish to start a support group and has produced a starter pack with useful tips. This is available to buy on their website for a small fee or contact them for more information.
Advice for partners & carers
The following are some links to advice from organisations supporting those affected by PND
Visit www.apni.org and view the Useful Information page to view advice for carers from the Association for Post Natal Illness