Maternal mental health

At the end of my Dance like a mother dance class (a really fun babywearing dance class), I was given a symbolic green ribbon. I go to the class weekly to help boost my mood, ‘bust a move’ (do people still say that?) and meet other mums. Its so nice that we all go out for a coffee and a chat afterwards too!

So, the green ribbon – symbolises maternal mental health week, a visual symbol to other mums that we are all together in this journey as mothers. To acknowledge that we all have ups and downs in our mental health whilst doing the most challenging yet rewarding job in the world! We were encouraged to tie it on our baby changing bags – with the hope that another mother will see it and smile, or perhaps see it and approach if they need a listening ear, an encouraging smile, a shoulder to lean on – or maybe just a spare nappy!

I have certainly had my share of ups and downs postnatally, multiple hospital appointments for myself and my son, the dreaded NHS letter in the post (why the double communication with letters and electronic alerts?!) and also dealing with sleep deprivation, which is proven to have a detrimental effect on ones mental health.

Maternal mental health awareness week if a compaign to encourage conversations about mental health, before, during or even after pregnancy.

Its great to see so much support from the public and professionals, particularly Aveeno baby, who launched a campaign in Superdrug stores across the UK.