The Duchess of Cambridge Shows Support for Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

This week Monday 4th – Sunday 10th May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness week. The week aims to create wider awareness of maternal mental health, and signposts support for parents.

The Duchess of Cambridge showed her support for Maternal Mental Health Awareness week as she held Zoom conversations with Midwives, Parents and leading sector experts in order to raise awareness about the challenges and impact that COVID-19 is having on new and expectant mothers and their families.

Her Zoom calls were held with Kingston Hospital, and experts around the country, to raise awareness for Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in the United Kingdom.

In the calls the Duchess discusses the impact COVID-19 is having on new mothers and those that are expecting new babies.

Midwives at Kingston Hospital explain that the main concerns mothers and potential mothers are feeling are about coming in to hospital and catching Covid-19, but also they are concerned about the isolation after baby is born – as well as having limited support from their wider family members

The team at Kingston Hospital have noticed a lot more anxiety from mums – “women who have no mental health history are becoming incredibly anxious because of the situation currently.”

A press release from Kensington Palace reports, “Typically more than 1 in 10 women will experience a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first postnatal year, and around 7 in 102 will hide or underplay the severity of their illness.”

Jennifer Tshibamba, a midwife at Kingston Hospital said “We want women to know we’re still here, we’re still open. Even with what’s going on, we’re here to listen to you, we’re still here to make sure we provide you with the best care for your pregnancy, for your baby and support your family.”

The Duchess of Cambridge is the patron of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The organization, along with the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has developed guidance on coronavirus and pregnancy for healthcare professionals, pregnant women and their families.

Mummies. We want to know how you’ve been feeling – whether you’re a new mum or you’re due to give birth soon. Let us know how you’ve been feeling in the comments.