Embracing support for postnatal
depression
The Cedar House Support Group is for mothers experiencing ante and postnatal depression. We offer support to mothers by holding free weekly group therapy sessions. The groups provide a safe and supportive environment where mothers can get together with others who may be feeling similar to themselves. The groups are facilitated by our specialist postnatal depression counsellor, Liz Wise who has extensive experience in facilitating groups, providing counselling and has personal experience of the illness.
WELCOME
We have been running groups in Surrey since 2004 and now also facilitate groups in South London. Each group provides creche facilities and a partners/family evening is held each term to offer extended support. This helps their recovery by normalising feelings and reducing the sense of isolation that postnatal depression can bring.
Having a baby is usually a positive experience, society expects parents to feel happy and fulfilled as we welcome a new life into our world. Yet parents have a major readjustment to deal with; the loss of independence, changes in financial status and sometimes changes in relationships. Although we may feel prepared for these changes, having a baby can still be a shock for many parents.
It is perfectly normal to feel emotional, vulnerable and sensitive after your baby is born. Some mothers may feel confused about their feelings - that they should be feeling overjoyed and instantly in love with their baby. This is not always the case; there are understandable reasons for perhaps feeling not like that. For example you may have had a difficult labour and/or birth, which can leave you feeling exhausted and possibly unfulfilled of prior expectations you had.
Don’t forget we are not taught how to be mothers; it is something we need to learn for ourselves and at this time of our lives we sometimes need to be mothered and nurtured ourselves.
Please Support us by supporting the NSPCC'S campaign Fair Start........
Up to 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads in the UK experience mental health issues during pregnancy and after birth and, right now, many are not receiving the support they need. The NSPCC’s Fight for a Fair Start campaign is demanding perinatal mental health support for every mum, so that every baby and every family gets a fair start. Please support the campaign by signing the petition:
The NSPCC are also looking for parents – both mums and dads - who are willing to share their story about being affected by mental health issues during pregnancy and after birth. These would be used to support the campaign in a variety of ways depending on what you feel comfortable with, but could include social media, website, news articles, speaking at events etc. Please contact Jenny Andrews if you are interested.
We’re supporting the @nspcc’s Fight for a Fair Start campaign. Please sign the petition to ensure that all parents can access the perinatal mental health support they need at the right time. #FairStart www.nspcc.org.uk/fair-start
