NICE have endorsed a wellbeing plan for pregnant and new mothers (click the link and then click the text links on the NICE Web page to download the PDF).
It is two sides of A4 and you can download it, print it off and fill it in with your own information.
It is the result of a collaboration between The Boots Family Trust, Tommy’s, Netmums, the Royal College of Midwives and the Institute of Health Visiting. It has been endorsed by the NICE (which is a huge stamp of approval and a recognition of the value of this wellbeing plan as part of the holistic care of women and their families during and after pregnancy and birth).
I suffered from perinatal depression
(including antenatal depression, which I wasn't even sure was a 'thing' until recently) and the post natal depression which I currently am recovering from with a lot of hard work.
This wellbeing form would have been amazing for me to be in touch with my emotional state in a tangible way, not just being 'self aware' or listening to a midwife discussing PND at antenatal classes.
The wellbeing plan asks the mum to wrote how she is feeling now, and further sections include a good list of signs and symptoms. There is no mention of the 'baby blues' which is very helpful and gives new mums credit and respect that they deserve.
The form isn't a formal part of care, but perhaps it should be. Perhaps any woman who has a history of mental health issues should be given one with a kind explanation by a midwife in late pregnancy. Late enough for it to be remembered in the months post-birth but early enough so that the mum to be can find time to complete it.
Send it to your friends and loved ones - anyone who you think may benefit. Let's spread the word about this useful tool and let's start opening up about perinatal health.
What a great idea. Thank you for sharing, I will definitely share with anyone I can think of who needs it.xx
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