1 week Ago By Lorna Rothery
Open Access News Mental Health Maternal mental health: Recognising risks and pathways to support December 13, 2024 image: ©phongphan5922 | iStock. The For Baby’s Sake Trust is a registered charity focused on breaking cycles of domestic abuse, tackling the root causes and giving babies the best start in life. It does this through its flagship programme, For Baby’s Sake, which is the first to work holistically with both parents, starting in pregnancy, where there is domestic abuse.
Director of Operations Judith Rees tells us more The transition to motherhood is often heralded as a time of joy, yet for many women, it is accompanied by profound challenges to their mental health. Maternal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of women during pregnancy and the first year postpartum, a time that is as vulnerable as it is transformative. Addressing maternal mental health means recognising the factors that place women at risk, understanding the wide-reaching impacts, and ensuring appropriate and sensitive support is available.
At The For Baby’s Sake Trust, we see every day the difference it can make when mental health is prioritised—not just for mothers but for their babies and families, too. Risk factors for poor maternal mental health Pregnancy is a life-altering experience, and while it can bring happiness, it is also a period of immense physical, emotional, and social change. These changes can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities or introduce new challenges.
One significant but often overlooked risk factor is domestic abuse (DA). Pregnancy marks a startlingly common starting point for abuse; research shows that 30% of domestic abuse cases begin during pregnancy , with this figure rising to 40% in the first 1,001 days of a baby’s life. The For Baby’s Sake Trust has highlighted this as a critical concern.
The reasons behind this are complex but often stem from abusive partners seeking to assert control at a time when the dynamics of the relationship are naturally shifting. The link between domestic abuse and maternal mental health is undeniable. Women experiencing abuse during pregnancy are far more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The stress and fear generated by abuse create a toxic environment, affecting not only the mother but also the developing baby. Other risk factors for poor maternal mental health include: Unplanned or high-risk pregnancies Lack of social support Financial or housing insecurity History of poor mental health Trauma or adverse childhood experiences When these factors coalesce, the result can be devastating. Indeed, suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the UK, often stemming from domestic abuse contributing to poor mental health.
The impact of poor maternal mental health Poor maternal mental health has far-reaching consequences. On an individual level, women may experience feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and despair. Without intervention, these feelings can escalate into severe conditions such as postnatal depression or psychosis.
The ripple effects extend to the baby. A mother’s mental health directly influences the quality of her relationship with her baby and her capacity to respond sensitively to their needs. Infants whose mothers struggle with poor mental health may experience difficulties in bonding, which can affect their emotional and cognitive development.
Partners and families, too, feel the strain. Poor maternal mental health can destabilise relationships, increasing the risk of family breakdowns and perpetuating cycles of stress and trauma. The wider social cost is significant, placing additional burdens on healthcare, social services, and the economy.
Pathways to support Maternal mental health issues are treatable, and effective support is available. However, reaching women early is vital. Interventions must be empathetic, holistic, and tailored to the unique circumstances of each woman and her family.
Routine screening and early intervention Midwives, GPs, and health visitors play a critical role in identifying maternal mental health concerns. Routine screening for anxiety, depression, and domestic abuse should be a standard part of antenatal and postnatal care. Open conversations can empower women to speak about their experiences and seek help.
Therapeutic support Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or trauma-focused counselling, are highly effective in addressing maternal mental health concerns. For women experiencing domestic abuse, specialist support services can provide a lifeline, offering a safe space to process their experiences and develop coping strategies. Emotional safety planning One crucial form of support, particularly for women experiencing domestic abuse, is emotional safety planning.
Emotional safety planning involves helping women recognise triggers, identify sources of support, and develop strategies to protect their mental and emotional wellbeing. This approach goes beyond immediate physical safety, acknowledging that rebuilding confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience is a critical part of recovery. Community support No woman should face the challenges of motherhood alone.
Peer support groups, family hubs, and charities dedicated to maternal mental health can provide women with a sense of community and shared understanding. For women isolated by abuse, these networks are invaluable, offering connection and hope. Integrated, family-centred approaches At The For Baby’s Sake Trust, we advocate for approaches that address the needs of the entire family.
Recognising that domestic abuse and maternal mental health are deeply intertwined, our work focuses on creating emotionally safe environments where both parents can address their behaviour and its impact. By breaking cycles of trauma, we can help families build brighter futures together. Breaking the silence A key barrier to addressing maternal mental health is stigma.
Many women feel pressure to present an image of the ‘perfect mother’ and fear judgment if they admit to struggling. Raising awareness is crucial to normalising conversations about maternal mental health and ensuring women feel safe to seek help. We must also break the silence surrounding domestic abuse.
Pregnant women and new mothers are uniquely vulnerable, yet the cultural narrative often overlooks the prevalence of abuse during this time. Acknowledging this reality is the first step towards creating systems and services that protect women and their babies. image: ©AsiaVision | iStock A call to action Maternal mental health is not just a ‘women’s issue’.
It is a societal issue that affects us all. By investing in prevention and support, we can transform outcomes for mothers, babies, and families. Health professionals, policymakers, and community organisations must work together to ensure that maternal mental health remains a priority.
This includes funding specialist services, training professionals to recognise the signs of poor mental health and domestic abuse and promoting early intervention. Most importantly, we must listen to mothers. Every woman’s experience is unique, and her voice is a vital part of the solution.
At The For Baby’s Sake Trust, we are committed to creating a world where every mother feels valued, supported, and safe. Maternal mental health is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving—for women, their babies, and their families. Together, we can build a society that recognises the importance of maternal mental health and ensures every mother has the support she needs to flourish.
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Print Tags domestic abuse Mental Health OAG 045 Pregnancy Health Contributor Details Judith Rees Director of Operations The For Baby’s Sake Trust https://forbabyssake.org.uk/ LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Editor's Recommended Articles Must Read >> Maternal Mental Health: Treatments for Postnatal depression Must Read >> The mental health risks associated with perimenopause Must Read >> How children process trauma may hold the key to mental health outcomes Lorna Rothery RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR Happiness-based mindfulness: The ripple effect of kindness The UK government’s plans to address men’s health this Movember Hidden battles: The unseen crisis of men’s mental health Improving care for mental health patients Deaf children and mental health Researchers explore empathogens and psychedelics for PTSD treatment LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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