Brief Summary
This is a personal story about a woman's journey to improve her health before, during, and after pregnancy. She highlights the importance of pre-conception health, the support she received from healthcare professionals, and the challenges of early motherhood.
- Importance of pre-conception health for a healthy pregnancy.
- The positive impact of support from healthcare professionals.
- Addressing the mental health challenges of new motherhood.
Early Health Advice and Preparation
At age 19, the speaker consulted with a practice nurse named Mark about contraception. Mark emphasized the impact of being overweight and smoking on future healthy pregnancies. He provided guidance on healthy eating, increased physical activity, and local smoking cessation services, encouraging her to make lifestyle changes sooner rather than later to improve her chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Planning for Pregnancy
When the speaker and her partner decided to try for children, she revisited Mark to have her contraception device removed. Mark commended her healthier weight, which she achieved through the Couch to 5K program. He reiterated the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy and parenthood and reminded her of the risks associated with smoking. Mark referred her to a local stop smoking service and suggested her partner quit smoking as well. He advised her to start taking folic acid supplements immediately.
Pregnancy and Continued Support
After becoming pregnant with her son Jack, the speaker received care from a midwife named Anita. She shared that both her partner and mother had quit smoking to support her efforts. Anita praised their decision and cautioned against relapsing after the baby's birth, emphasizing the health risks to herself, baby Jack, and future pregnancies. Anita reinforced Mark's advice on healthy eating and staying active to manage weight gain. They also discussed postpartum contraception options.
Postpartum Challenges and Mental Health
The speaker found early motherhood difficult and isolating, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. She experienced cravings for cigarettes as a coping mechanism but felt unable to discuss her feelings with anyone, which strained her relationship with her partner. Her health visitor, Kate, recognized her struggles and reassured her that her feelings were common. Kate encouraged her to communicate with friends and family, particularly her partner, and suggested she schedule an appointment with her GP. Kate provided information on local mother and baby groups and a helpline number.
Support and Recovery
Kate emphasized the importance of looking after both physical and mental health, especially when considering future pregnancies. She introduced the speaker to an online tool from Tommy's that offered tailored information and support. Kate also advised her to inform future midwives about her postpartum experiences. With Kate's support, the speaker began to feel better, and she and her partner navigated the challenging period. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from Mark, Anita, and Kate, which helped her prioritize her health and provide the best start in life for her son.
