Crawley MP Henry Smith attended a parliamentary event to support the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) #HiddenHalf campaign to get post-natal mental illness out of hiding.
The event aimed to raise awareness among parliamentarians about new mothers’ mental health problems. Recent research by NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, found that nearly half of new mums’ mental health problems are not picked up by health professionals.
Henry said;
“It’s shocking that so many new mothers aren’t getting the help they need and I realise this can have a devastating impact on women and their families.
“I’m supporting NCT’s excellent #HiddenHalf campaign to improve services in Crawley and across the UK.
“I have fond memories of attending NCT Crawley classes in the months before my daughter’s birth, so I’m pleased to support their #HiddenHalf campaign ensuring that at the six week old baby check new mothers are also assessed for any mental health issues.”
Sarah McMullen, Head of Knowledge at NCT, said:
“Too many mothers are missing out on mental health treatment and support during the critical post-natal weeks and months. Disappointingly, health professionals are not asking some mothers about their emotional wellbeing. This has to change.”
NCT’s #HiddenHalf campaign aims to bring maternal mental illness out of hiding and is calling for improvements to the six week post-natal check up to aid the diagnosis and treatment of new mums’ mental health issues.
The charity is calling for more funding and guidance for doctors so they are better equipped to discuss emotional health with mothers.
To sign up to the NCT #HiddenHalf campaign please visit: www.nct.org.uk/hiddenhalf
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