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It reassured me with what I am doing well

Posted By nitratebn37

"It reassured me with what I am doing well"

About: Mental Health Services / Perinatal Mental Health Team

(as a carer),

The OT and Nursery Nurse Finding Me group was very beneficial to my baby and I. I made friends with other mums who are like me.

The nursery nurses looked after my son to allow me to take part in the mum's group work. They also helped me understand more about child's development and how to play and interact with him. It reassured me with what I am doing well but also what I could add. It was great to do messy play and songs and sensory sessions using cost effective resources. He loved meeting other babies and playing.

The mum's group work helped me think about how to manage my time, tasks, and increase activity levels. I was reminded of how  creative I can be and enjoy it.  I got time and space to reflect and supported to think about my new identity as well as remember who I am. 

I wish the group was on for longer but appreciate why it can't. The mums and I have a whatsapps group where we talk regularly and we try to meet weekly. If I didn't have this I feel my mental health would be affected. The social and emotional connection to others with similar difficulties has been the missing piece to my mental health difficulties.

I have noticed that most groups available to new mums focus on the babies which is important obviously but  with limited chance to talk to other mums who may or may not have difficulties. I struggle socially and often don't know what to say, so the Finding Me group is very unique in that it focuses on mum's mental health as well as the babies development. 

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Responses

Response from Jennifer Montgomery, Improvement Coordinator, Quality Directorate, NHS Lanarkshire about a year and a half ago
Jennifer Montgomery
Improvement Coordinator, Quality Directorate,
NHS Lanarkshire

Operational Lead for Care Opinion in NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 28/12/2023 at 16:21
Published on Care Opinion at 16:21

picture of Jennifer Montgomery

Dear nitratebn37,

Thank you for sharing your experience at the Finding Me group on Care Opinion.

I am so pleased to hear the positive impact this has had on your mental health and the reassurance and ideas it has given you when looking after your baby. I can only imagine the relief you will have felt meeting people like you who you can have time to talk to without worrying about looking after baby at the same time. This must have really made a difference to your post partum experience and as you said, your mental health.

I will pass on your kind words and feedback to the team who I am sure will be delighted to hear the impact this group has had for you.

I hope you continue meeting with the other mums and wish you and your family all the very best for your future.

Kind Regards,

Jenni

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Response from Lesley Bodin, Clinical Service Lead for Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Learning Disability Service, Addictions, All Adults and Older Adults, NHS Lanarkshire about a year and a half ago
Lesley Bodin
Clinical Service Lead for Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Learning Disability Service, Addictions, All Adults and Older Adults,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 29/12/2023 at 10:19
Published on Care Opinion at 11:13

Thank you nitratebn37 for taking the time to post your feedback this is very much appreciated. Apologies this has taken a few days to respond.

Your feedback explains so well the benefits to both yourself and to your baby which is very much part of the collaborative approach the staff take. I am pleased to know you have been able to take the positive steps and remain in contact with others who may have a similar experience beyond the time at the group.

Groups are quite unique in enabling those who may have a similar position to come together and share and learn together.

Your feedback will go back to the team who I know will be pleased to hear of the positive impact of the work they do.

Wishing you very well going forward with your family hoping you keep well.

Many thanks Lesley Bodin

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Response from Yvonne Twaddle, Service Manager - Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and and Addictions, North Locality, NHS Lanarkshire about a year and a half ago
Yvonne Twaddle
Service Manager - Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and and Addictions, North Locality,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 29/12/2023 at 11:41
Published on Care Opinion at 21:01

Morning nitratebn37, thank you very much for your email and apologies for the delay in replying to you.

I am delighted to hear you had such a positive experience with the perinatal team and that both yourself and your baby gained benefit from attending the group. I have passed your feedback to the team and thanked them for their continued efforts in facilitating this.

Thanks again for taking the time to submit such a complimentary review.

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