Portsmouth mum who struggled emotionally after the birth of her daughter encourages others to use NHS support

Clare Hopper from Portsmouth said she didn’t feel right after her daughter Chloe was born two months prematurely last year.

The 36-year-old said: ‘I really struggled to bond with her which is apparently quite common when babies are premature. I felt resentment not towards her but the situation.

‘It was like I wanted to cry all the time but I didn’t know why.’

Clare, who works in marketing but is currently on maternity leave, previously got help from Talking Change, a free therapy service provided by Solent NHS Trust, and decided to go back when she felt things weren’t right.

She said: ‘They couldn’t have been more helpful and made me feel really supported. My health visitor also suggested I go to Bright Beginnings which is a group run by Solent.

‘I was worried at first it would just be a mother and baby group but it wasn’t and we learnt how to cope with feelings and also got to chat, have a cry and a laugh.

‘I think the most important thing was learning that you aren’t alone and there are other mums who feel exactly the same way and you aren’t crazy.’

Last week was Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week and health teams have been spreading the message to new mums that help is still available despite the coronavirus pandemic, including a virtual Bright Beginnings group.

Clare said: ‘I have no idea how new mums are coping in lockdown as I feel anxious with a one-year-old so they are doing amazing.

‘I think that if any mums are struggling just in general as well then please do refer yourself to Talking Change or speak to your health visitor as there is help and support out there. I have a great support network with my parents, husband and friends but even with that you can still feel alone but talking to people who are going through the same thing was so helpful and we have all stayed in touch since the group.’

To find out more visit talkingchange.nhs.uk/

The Portsmouth Health Visiting Team can be contacted Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm on 0300 123 6629.

Anyone with a non-urgent concern about their baby or older child can contact Solent Pulse (07491163277), a confidential text service where a qualified health visitor will call back within four hours during the week.

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