ANTENATAL & POSTNATAL MAENTAL HEALTH

Having been the lead practitioner within a local psychology service for developing and rolling out postnatal depression groups, I have a special interest in working with ladies and/or their partners who may be experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy or following the birth of their baby. Having a baby can be one of the most exciting but also one of the most stressful events to take place in a relationship. It is very easy to become so focused on the baby that you forget to look after your own needs during pregnancy or the first few months of your baby’s life. Roughly 1 in 5 women experience either depression, anxiety or other psychological difficulties during this time. Sometimes these difficulties resolve by themselves and do not cause too much of a problem. Other times they can be difficult to shift and can start to impact on your experience of your new baby and parenthood. CBT can be helpful in enabling you to address the low mood, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties you may be experiencing. This would enable you to carry on with the important job you have of being a parent whilst feeling able to enjoy this special time in your life.