Tip of the week: Ask for support

Becoming a mother is usually a wonderful but stressful life event that brings about major changes in a woman’s life. Many women struggle, but at the same time, many mothers think they are the only ones finding things difficult!

Our tip of the week is to ask for support if you feel that you need it.

• Talk to someone. Talk to your partner, to a friend, or to a family member. Tell them how you are feeling.

• Ask for help. Think about what areas in your life you could get help with. Could a friend or family member give the baby a feed, or cook you a meal? Could they do some practical things to help you around the house?

• If you are really struggling, contact your local nurse or doctor. Tell them how you are feeling. Ask them for information. Make sure that you prioritise your health and wellbeing.

Asking for help is actually a sign of strength not weakness. It is a positive act of self-care, which leads to better outcomes for both you and your baby.

Yvonne’s advice

Yvonne, one of the mothers from the start of the week gives some great advice:

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Go with your gut feeling. If you feel that you don’t feel well physically or mentally, go to your doctor, express exactly how you feel, if you feel you are not being heard, speak to another healthcare professional, keeping talking until someone listens. They, in my opinion are the first port of call when you are not feeling well, and they should guide and direct you to the best resources and treatment available. Pursue treatment until you are feeling well again, you do not have to suffer on. In your baby’s eyes you are number one to them so you need to put your health as number one for you.