This week (5th – 11th May 2025) is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, and we wanted to take a moment to talk about something that affects so many new parents — but is often kept quiet.
Maternal mental health includes everything from feeling a bit teary after having a baby, to struggling with anxiety, low mood, or postnatal depression. It can show up in all sorts of ways — and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
If you’re finding things hard, you are not alone. And you are not to blame.
There is support out there — and that includes us.
What even is maternal mental health?
It’s how we’re feeling during pregnancy and in that intense first year (or more!) after having a baby. While people often talk about the baby blues, more serious feelings like postnatal depression, birth trauma, and postpartum anxiety are just as real — and more common than you might think.
In fact, 1 in 5 mums will experience a perinatal mental health issue. That’s a lot of us.
The good news? You can get better. And it starts with being honest — with yourself, and with someone safe.
A mum’s story — finding support with Parent Sanctuary
Emma (name changed) came along to her first Parent Sanctuary walk after a big life change. She had just moved to the area and was newly separated from her baby’s father.
“I had to stop to vomit twice on the way over and several times was tempted to turn around and never turn up. But I was determined to get out of my own head for a couple of hours.”
She turned up early, unsure whether she was even in the right place. She nearly left before the walk even started. But a warm hello from one of our team encouraged her to stay.
Emma found what so many parents tell us they need: a friendly space where no one judges, where you can just be and not have to pretend.
A place where your baby is welcome — and so are you, exactly as you are.
What we offer at Parent Sanctuary
Weekly nature walks – Come as you are. We’ll walk, chat (or not), and breathe some fresh air together.
Sling library in Huddersfield – Get help with babywearing, try a new carrier, or just come for a cuddle and a cuppa.
Forest School for under 5s – Play-based outdoor sessions that nurture both kids and their grown-ups.
Sometimes, that hour in the woods or a chat with another mum makes all the difference.
If you’re struggling… here’s where to get help
There is absolutely no shame in asking for support — and you don’t have to wait until things get worse.
Here are a few places we recommend:
PANDAS Foundation – Call, text or join a support group
Maternal Mental Health Alliance – Info and links to help
Mind – Mental health charity support
NHS – Perinatal Mental Health – Help through your GP or Health Visitor
You’re not alone in this. You’re more than welcome to message our social pages or reach out via email to info@parentsanctuary.co.uk