As we have just launched our “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Laois” initiative and today also marks the 1st day of Laois Connects Positive Mental Health Awareness Month for the month of October we would to highlight Maternal Mental Wellbeing.
As many as 1 in 5 women have mental health problems in or after birth. It can happen to anyone. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy. These affect about 10 to 15 out of every 100 pregnant women. Just like at other times in life, you can have many different types of mental illness and the severity can vary.
Perinatal mental health issues are those which complicate pregnancy and the first year after the baby is born. If anyone who is planning a pregnancy, is pregnant or is a new mother feels that they need some support with their mental health they can speak to their GP, their mental health midwife at their maternity hospital, or their public health nurse.
Michelle Daly Hayes, who has two children and is from Limerick, said: “This project has been so close to my heart because I know firsthand some of the stigma around maternal mental health and if it helps even one new mum or mum to cope and to ask for help it is worth any effort.
We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Laois
Sign Up to We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Laois Here
