زيارة ما بعد الولادة: أم تحتاج إلى دعم اليوم

Nurse: Hello Ms Bennett, I'm the child and family health nurse. Thank you for filling in the questionnaire. Leo is gaining weight well, so I'd like to talk about you.

Patient: Oh, hello. I thought you'd only talk about Leo. I'm a bit nervous about talking about me.

Nurse: How have you been feeling since Leo was born, and how are you coping day to day?

Patient: Honestly, not great. I feel low and overwhelmed most days. I'm struggling to cope since Leo was born.

Nurse: Your answers suggest things may be hard right now. What has been the hardest part for you lately?

Patient: I feel like I'm not a good mother. Everything just feels like too much, and I don't know how to cope.

Nurse: How have you been sleeping and eating, and who is around to help you?

Patient: Not well, really. I'm tired and I don't feel like eating. I don't like asking people for help.

Nurse: You answered 'sometimes' to the question about harming yourself. Can you tell me more about those thoughts?

Patient: Sometimes the thoughts come and they scare me. I didn't really want to put that answer down.

Nurse: Have you had any thoughts of harming Leo? I ask because I want to keep you both safe.

Patient: I love Leo. I don't want to hurt him. I'm just frightened of these thoughts, and of what you'll think of me.

Nurse: Thank you for telling me. It takes courage to talk about this, and asking for help is a sign of how much you care about Leo.

Patient: I'm scared you'll think I'm a bad mother. What will asking for help mean for me and Leo?

Nurse: Postnatal depression is common and treatable, and it is not your fault. I'm not here to judge you. I want to get you support today.

Patient: Today? That feels so fast. I just worry people will think I can't cope with my own baby.

Nurse: Your score suggests you may have postnatal depression, although only a proper assessment can confirm it. It is common and treatable. I'd like you seen today by a GP or the perinatal mental health service.

Patient: So it might be depression? That's a bit of a relief, but I'm nervous about being seen today.

Nurse: I'd also like someone to be with you today. Who could come, and would you be comfortable with me contacting them? Does this plan sound okay to you?

Patient: I'm not sure who yet. I don't want to be a burden, but I'll try to think of someone. The plan sounds okay.

Nurse: So, if you're happy with it, you'll be assessed today by a GP or perinatal mental health service and someone will be with you. I'll help arrange this before I leave.

Patient: Yes, I'm happy with that. Thank you for helping me arrange it before you go.

Nurse: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or Leo, or feel unsafe, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, and don't be alone. What questions do you have?

Patient: No, I think I understand. Thank you for not judging me. I already feel a little better.