I founded Motherwell as I felt being a mum was the most difficult job that I have ever had to do. I was fully supported by my family, but at the time none of my friends had or were even considering having children so it that way it was a bit of a lonely place. There was so many practical “things” that I didn’t know, but soon the way by reading books and asking!! My first child was a very easy baby and slept and fed at regular intervals. My second as many of you was very ill and I struggled to bond with him due to his time in hospital from being a new born, however we soon found our way.
Again mainly through the support of my family and a great health visitor that I was able to be honest with. However I feel that the most important factor that contributed to my recovery was the fact that I was training to be a counsellor and from this experience I had the opportunity in a safe environment to talk through what was going on for me in a safe and confidential environment. It felt safe to discuss the trauma of the birth and also the issues of the attachment and the struggles that I had/was having. Through this experience I could see how I was seeing situations differently and excepting what had happened.
This experience always stayed with me and when I had the opportunity to set up Motherwell I thought I would “give it a go”. to offer a safe place for mums to come and feel comfortable in explaining their struggles. I obviously have never regretted it and we as an organisation have grown and grown. This has proved to me that there was obviously that need. Although Motherwell is definitely not just for new mums a big part of our work is supporting new mums. Many suffering anxiety, depression and some Post Natal Depression. We deliver counselling and a 6 week therapeutic course for new mums complemented by wellbeing services. This approach so far has worked, and the feedback that we have been getting has really helped mums view themselves differently. Our focus is solely on mum, sometimes the forgotten party when a new born comes along.
In a society that seems to have many parenting theories and social media showing “perfect mums” I wanted to share some of our work that we have found to support new mums. The training will look at addressing Post natal depression, emotions facing new mums, the importance of self care and peer support. We will look at common thought patterns that new mums experience and the effects on their physical and emotionally health.
I am hoping this training will support many of you to work with new mums more effectively.