Case study – Mary’s story from the 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Service, Cheshire East
Mary* had experienced severe postnatal depression with her first child. When Mary found out she was pregnant with her second child, she was extremely anxious and frightened that she was going to experience the same thoughts and feelings again. Mary was worried about the impact of postnatal depression on her six year old daughter as she had not had to think about this previously.
Mary received support from her Specialist Midwife and from the Health Visiting Team who provided tailored support, including listening support and specialist mental health screening tools.
With support from the 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Service, Mary felt reassured and she did not experience the same thoughts and feelings as she did previously. She was able to open up to her Health Visitor and discuss any anxieties which were then alleviated. Mary’s emotional health and wellbeing had been supported using a collaborative and holistic approach. Linking in with community support groups such as the SMILE Group, the Children’s Centre (Parenting Journey), Midwifery Services and the 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Team, enabled Mary to build resilience and confidence which in turn made her parenting journey a positive one.
Mary was also supported when her second child was two years old. At the two-year developmental review, she was identified as having a speech and language delay. The team provided support and referrals to Audiology and Speech and Language Services and “You make a difference” sessions at the local Children’s Centre. With the support Mary’s daughter received she went on to achieve her communication milestones and is now a confident communicator.
The 0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Service delivered a seamless offer to Mary and her family. This empowered Mary to be proactive in recognising her family’s own health and wellbeing needs.
*Name has been changed for data protection purposes
