"The continuity of care was just what was needed"

I've always been a worrier since I was little. It manifested itself in no confidence, overthinking, being very quiet, teeth grinding, migraines, picking skin on my fingers, trying to people please all the time. But this seemed to disappear by the time I grew up, moved out, started my career...

Then I had my first baby

And my experience of that first newborn bubble was not what the expectation was. I was on edge all the time, ready to run away with my baby to escape, running on fumes. So much pressure!

I felt like I had no support network around me, I didn't want to ask for help and I thought folk were going to run away with my baby - hormones in full swing! I thought I could do it all on my own. 

It was my attentive health visitor who persuaded me to get help, and I will be forever thankful for her doing that. She referred me on to the perinatal mental health team. Admitting I needed help was so hard as I am a very independent madam! But post natal is the most vulnerable I've ever been and the nurse I had assigned to me is nothing short of amazing. 

After the birth of my second, I felt completely different, I was more sure of myself as a mother, knew what to expect so felt better prepared. Then it hit me again, later down the line than my first and in a completely different way. I had the confidence to ask to be referred this time and had the same nurse. The continuity of care was just what was needed and I'm grateful I was able to experience that.

I genuinely believe if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here for my children today. I hope that this service is used as the gold standard example around the rest of the country to support vulnerable mothers and help make perinatal mental health less "baby blues" and more valid as an illness.