Extract from issue 126 Mar/Apr 2004, Those postnatal blues

Cheryl Pickard on a helping hand for mothers with postnatal depression

Research has shown that 12-15 per cent of women experience postnatal depression. In 2003, the Sure Start Maternal and Child Emotional Health Focus Group in Bridlington piloted a group to address the needs of some of these women. The group worked in partnership with Jo Stephenson of the Alternative Therapy Centre in Bridlington to develop a programme that would support eight mothers experiencing medium to severe postnatal depression whom health workers were most concerned about.

GPs were contacted by letter, and referrals came through health visitors. The Sure Start health visitor went to each woman at home first to explain the purpose of the group, and then she made a second visit, together with Jo Stephenson from the Therapy Centre. This was to establish what the mothers' expectations were and help them to feel less anxious when they came to the sessions.

The course was run over eight weeks for one-and-a-half hours per week, and an on-site crèche was provided by Sure Start. Free transport to and from the course was also offered. The sessions included: raising self-awareness; relaxation and coping strategies; peer group support; and time out from the stresses of parenting. They also offered tools to continue this personal development process at home; for example, meditation and relaxation music. When the mothers completed the course, they were given a complete makeover to help boost their self-esteem.

Jo Stephenson reported that presenting problems included: poor relationships with partners and parents; poor self-esteem, self-worth and self-image; low confidence; and emotional scarring. She felt that all the women progressed very quickly, with visible changes on a weekly basis. They worked very hard with any type of personal development guidance given. At each session, they were given 'homework' to complete, and then they came together the following week to share the events of the past week with each other. As the group felt more comfortable with each other, they were able to share many of their personal issues.

The women themselves felt that the main benefits included time out, friendship, reduction in stress levels, and strategies for coping and relaxation. The majority noticed an improvement in self-esteem and self-worth, and reported that relationships with their partners and family had improved.

Sure Start invited the mothers to an informal lunch and, using participatory appraisal, they were offered the opportunity to reflect on their experience and share their thoughts and opinions. They said it had been really useful to have the course explained before joining the group, and that an invitation to bring along a family member was appreciated as it helped to lower anxiety.

They had enjoyed the variety of sessions, and especially the kinesiology and the pamper day. They gained a lot from being with others who were experiencing the same feelings, and they liked the facilitators and the homely and friendly environment of the Therapy Centre (Jo Stephenson had even baked scones and cooked a hot dinner for them!).

Since completing their course, three of the group members joined the Sure Start Community Parents Programme and went on to set up the Young Parents' Association. Two mothers have now started a full-time hairdressing and beauty course, and one works full-time as an assistant at the Therapy Centre. This young mother had difficulties due to dyslexia, but has gained enough confidence to attend college courses on first aid, health and safety, and food hygiene. One mother is hoping to have another child, and another has seen her dream come true when she and her family relocated to Spain recently.