Dorset, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on May 18th, 2020 | return to news
Help at hand for new parents struggling to cope
Did you know that it's Mental Health Awareness Week and Dorset HealthCare is on hand to help people affected by low mood, anxiety or depression following the birth of a child?
Health Visiting teams are available across Dorset for all new parents who may be struggling with the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and limited support from wider family members.
Post-natal depression is a common problem, affecting more than one in 10 women within a year of giving birth. Depression can also affect women during pregnancy and it can also affect fathers and partners.
New parents who think they might be depressed after having a baby should remember that they are not alone, and they are being urged to ask for help as soon as possible by contacting their midwife, health visitor or GP. Asking for help is okay and, with the right support, most families make a full recovery.
Shirley Shailer, Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Clinical Lead at Dorset HealthCare, said, “Pregnancy, becoming a parent and caring for a new baby is a really exciting and wonderful time, but it can also be a difficult time, with lots of changes and new challenges. As parents adjust to these changes, they will often enjoy the help from friends and family, along with support from the midwife, GP and Health Visitor.
“However, in recent weeks it has not been possible for new parents to have contact with family and friends in the same way. There have also been changes to how health appointments are offered and health professionals are now wearing face masks and other protective gear. Understandably, more parents are suffering with anxiety and are feeling isolated.
“I would encourage all parents to talk to their health visitor about how they feel – health visitors are interested in the emotional health of the whole family, as well as the practical aspects of becoming a parent. We are still here and we want to support you, so if you think you may be suffering with mental health problems, don’t delay – please call us.”
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Dorset HealthCare’s Health Visiting teams are available by phone 9am–4pm every day. You will be linked to your own health visitor if possible. For contact details of your local team, visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/health-visiting
Perinatal inpatient Mother and Baby Unit Bournemouth (Alumhurst Road) run one of very few mother and baby mental health units in the country, supporting families so that mothers can remain with their baby and close to their families while receiving care for mental health issues before and after a new birth.
A host of other useful information to help families through the COVID-19 pandemic is also available at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk
If you require urgent mental health support call Connection, a 24-hour helpline, on 0300 123 5440. Telephone contact numbers for Health Visiting Teams across Dorset are:
- Bournemouth & Christchurch Hub – 01305 363043
- Dorchester – 01305 361071
- Chesil – 01305 361071
- Bridport – 01305 361071
- Sherborne – 01305 361071
- Shaftesbury – 01305 361071
- Blandford – 01305 361071
- Gillingham – 01305 361071
- Sturminster Newton – 01305 361071
- Poole Hub – 01202 646425
- Dorset East & Purbeck Hub – 01929 557593
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