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From 2018 to 2021, between 40% and 50% of expectant mothers in Guernsey reported struggling with their mental health at their first midwife appointment.
As Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week continues, Midwife Laura Spence told Express that there are multiple risk factors for women struggling throughout and post-pregnancy.
“Not all of the women in the statistic would have met the criteria to be clinically diagnosed with depression or anxiety, but with the stresses and strains of pregnancy they are at risk of developing more moderate to severe difficulties,” she said.
“This is multi-factorial including eating disorders, hyperemesis, previous loss or bereavement of a baby/child/family member, people who experience fertility challenges, unplanned pregnancy, domestic and drug or alcohol use.”
Pictured: Up to half of pregnant women in Guernsey between 2018 and 2021 struggled with mental health issues.
Ms Spence said that physical changes can also add to the problem.
“The hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy can leave them feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and exhausted,” she said.
“Some may be uncomfortable or unwell or may have a fear of childbirth or suffering trauma derived from a previous childhood experience. There is a growing movement to consider 'Adverse Childhood Experiences' of pregnant women and their partners when providing support and care, because these experiences may lead to further traumatic experiences in pregnancy.
“Partners can also suffer from mental health difficulties because of pregnancy and parenthood, especially if the mother is suffering too.”
Ms Spence said that there is “no need” for anyone experiencing issues to be afraid or ashamed.
“There is a lot of help available on-island. There are many community-based initiatives that support women and families, particularly at Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre,” she said.
Pictured: Bright Beginnings is located at the old St Sampson's Infant School building by Delancey Park.
Bright Beginnings offers one-to-one support, weekly drop-in session with a creche, an 11-week focused programme exploring tools to support feelings of anxiety, depression and being overwhelmed.
The centre also offers counselling sessions, a monthly mental health support group for any stage of pregnancy and a six-week informative group for dads and dads-to-be.
Ms Spence continued: “The Committee for Health and Social Care has appointed a clinic midwife lead for perinatal mental health, Tracy Ward. Tracy has already been collaborating with the Health Improvement Commission to start a wellbeing walking group for pregnant women. She is also hoping to progress with plans for wellbeing services including aromatherapy for childbirth and aqua-natal classes.”
Pictured: Bright Beginnings holds a monthly support group for women at any stage of pregnancy.
Ms Ward said she was keen for feedback from women who have used any services or who are currently pregnant.
“We are working with Maternity Voices to hopefully hold a focus group or one-to-one meetings with people to hear about what they would like to see in place or what would have been helpful to them during pregnancy and the postnatal period,” she said.
“We are also reaching out to primary care settings to arrange meeting to see how we can work in collaboration with them to support women and their families.”
The Medical Specialist Group also has a pathway for patients who are experiencing issues with mental health in pregnancy, at clinics, liaising with the perinatal mental health team, including the psychiatrist for optimising medications.
Pictured: Support is available through the Medical Specialist Group.
Ms Spence encouraged islanders to seek support.
“If you are experiencing difficulties with mental health, or you are concerned about someone else, contact your midwife, GP, obstetrician or A&E,” she said.
“It is important to communicate and get the right support in place to optimise the pregnancy and postnatal period. This gives families and children the best outcomes.”
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