Start at the Beginning

I have become concerned about the rising rates of anxiety and depression in young women of childbearing age. Close to home I have family members that suffered through pregnancy and beyond or were affected by their birth. There is very little easily accessible help in the community, even for those that are recognised as having a challenging time. Covid19 has made this so much worse as women last year were having babies with only 1 support person and then separated from that person at the postnatal ward doors. Most then left the hospital WAY to early. I worry about the future for these women that became parents during this time and I worry that no-one will recognise their suffering. So I have started my Doctoral research with the aim of finding a way of ensuring all women having a baby in Aotearoa are safely screened for maternal mental health. This is going to be interesting…