More than a third of mothers have experienced mental health issues relating to parenthood, according to an online survey conducted by the BBC. Mothers say they suffer from ‘mum guilt’ and are ashamed to ask for help for fear of looking like a failure.
This was the shared experience voiced by mums and dads at BBC 5 Live’s #Mumtakeover event, which aimed to be the UK’s largest most intimate conversation about parenthood and mental health. The event was supported by Netmums, Blackpool Better Start and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance – of which Doula UK is a member.
#Mumtakeover panel
Celebrities, including Stacey Solomon, Rochelle Hulmes, Giovanna Fletcher and Neev Spencer (who is involved in the Heads Together campaign) joined 5 Live’s Anna Foster and a panel of experts, watched by and an audience of mums and dads (and some local doulas!), at Blackpool Tower.
Stories were heard from across the UK both online and live on air, and discussions ranged from postnatal depression and anxiety, to establishing a work/life balance and tackling loneliness.
For more information or support around any of the issues covered in the #mumtakeover, please visit BBC Actionline or get in touch with one of the partner organisations listed below.
Doula UK’s Katrina Hampson, in the middle!
Netmums is the UKs biggest parenting website offering local info, expert parenting advice, chat and friendly support.
The MMHA is a coalition of UK organisations with a vision to see all women across the UK get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental health during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth.
Decisive change transforming children’s life chances in Blackpool.
