Women who have experienced trauma during childbirth are being reminded that they are not alone—support is available.
One in 6 women in Dorset accessed support with their mental health during pregnancy and post birth in the last year.
As Time to Talk Day approaches in February 2025, Dorset Maternal Mental Health Service is encouraging women to open up about their experiences. The day serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in feeling grief or asking for support.
April 1 marks the second anniversary of the service, which has already provided vital care to nearly 200 women since its launch in 2023. It was created to support those who have faced baby loss, whether through stillbirth, neonatal death, or earlier pregnancy loss and provides valuable support in addition to the existing Perinatal Mental Health service who looks after women with more serious and complex health problems, often requiring longer term care
The Maternal Mental Health service works closely with maternity and neonatal teams to help women navigate pregnancy after loss or trauma. It provides compassionate care for those whose babies were born prematurely or required extended medical care in neonatal intensive care or special care baby units.
Birth Trauma affects 30,000 women across England every year. No one should face these challenges alone. Help is available—because your feelings matter, and your story deserves to be heard.
Hannah Leonard is Deputy Director of Maternity and Perinatal Services with NHS Dorset ICB. She said “Time to Talk Day gives up the opportunity to encourage people that it is good to talk to friends, family and colleagues and for us to raise awareness of professional support available
We all need to look after our mental health and by having conversations we help both ourselves and other people overcome the stigma surrounding the subject that may stop people seeking the support they need.”
One local mum who has sought help said “Sian from the maternity team helped me through one of the hardest times of my life.
“She not only helped me get through pregnancy and birth but taught me ways to cope going forward.
“Nine months after giving birth and stopping seeing her, I’m still managing well and coping thanks to her advice and strategies. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help.”
For more information and some ideas on how to get people talking visit timetotalkday.co.uk.
Support from the maternal mental health service can be accessed through your midwife, health visitor, GPs or mental health clinicians.
