I was completely unprepared when it came to my postpartum recovery. My husband and I sat in various NHS-run parenting classes where labour was discussed in depth. Natural birth was rammed down your throat, one midwife proudly declared how she had eight children and that not once did she request an epidural. (No pressure then) I remember being taught how to put on a nappy and was reminded to practice getting the baby seat in and out of the car a few times. Then there were the breastfeeding videos, showing babies latching onto the breast with ease. The postpartum recovery period wasn’t really talked about. I was told I might…
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Positive Quotes That Will Lift You Up
A positive attitude can easily be extinguished by whatever life throws at you, be it self-doubt, worries, anxiety or depression. Positive affirmations used to make me cringe a little bit. But since I’ve embraced them and become more mindful, they give me a little pick-me-up when it’s needed most. They are little anchors of hope when everything feels a little muddled. Here are a couple that have stuck with me over the years. Which ones are your favourites?
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7 Ways to Support a New Mum
When my sister had her baby, I thought I’d know exactly how to support her. We were both away from our parents and we had each other as a support network. I think it’s safe to say, despite my best intentions, I was a little useless. I made them a batch of meals which helped but I didn’t really get what she was going through or the barrage of emotions she was feeling. I thought that she was so lucky to have such a beautiful baby. I didn’t truly comprehend the tidal wave that hits you once you become a mum. Since I’ve had my own children, I know now…
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Why Self Care Is My Priority in 2018
Making resolutions in the New Year can be difficult when you are battling mental health. Whether it’s a getting fitter, taking on a new job or vowing to travel more, resolutions can be overwhelming. For me, 2017 was about battling through postnatal depression and anxiety. It all came to a head in December when I found a lump in my breast. I went to my doctor who discovered some thickening of the breast tissue and I was immediately referred to the breast clinic.
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Is Mental Health Still A Dirty Little Secret?
It feels like we are finally waking up to the impact of mental health issues. There are more people than ever before, one in four of us in the UK, suffering from at least one mental health problem each year and depression is the leading cause of disability in the world. In Britain, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in men aged 20 to 49, overtaking cancer, heart disease and road accidents. With celebrities and royalty sharing their own mental health struggles, it seems as though we are on the cusp of grasping what a devastating and prolonged impact mental health can have on people’s lives and…
