Released on: 03 October 2011
Elizabeth Duff, Senior Policy Adviser at NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, said:
“Postnatal depression is a complex and sadly relatively common condition which can affect anyone, and is recognised in men as well as women. Lack of support and isolation are often key causes, as parents come to terms with their new role.
“Peer to peer support for families and providing quality information are at the heart of NCT’s work. Our antenatal and postnatal courses and local branch network provide a welcoming environment where expectant and new parents can share experiences and form close bonds with others in the same situation.
“We would like to see families well-supported throughout pregnancy, birth and in the early days of being a parent, with one-to-one care from a midwife who has time to get to know them and establish a relationship of trust. Midwives and other health professionals should also be aware of the condition, its symptoms, and how to refer families to get support. While antidepressants may help, many women benefit from counselling and other forms of support.”
