HSE initiative offers well-being support for new Cork mothers

HSE South West has officially launched a new booklet which supports new mothers to mind their wellbeing during pregnancy and post-birth.

The booklet, which is available to all expectant and new mothers across Cork and Kerry, has useful advice on topics including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health supports.

The booklet is a joint project between staff at the Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), University Hospital Kerry and HSE South West mental health services. It was funded by HSE South West Connecting for Life, the regional self-harm and suicide reduction plan.

The team included staff from the Perinatal Mental Health Service in CUMH and UHK including Dr Freda Wynne, senior clinical psychologist; Breda Bird, clinical midwife manager 2 (CMM2); Zodwa Lenihan, clinical midwife specialist (CMS); Louise Chawke, CMM2. It also involved Martin Ryan, resource officer for suicide prevention, Cork, and Donagh Hennebry, resource officer for suicide prevention, Kerry.

Fundamental elements

“The booklet clearly outlines the fundamental elements of wellbeing: nutrition, exercise, sleep, and the importance of carving out time for oneself,” Dr Wynne said.

“It also addresses mental health concerns that new mothers may face and directs them to the appropriate resources for support. Additionally, we have curated a comprehensive list of services, ranging from acute care to community-based family resource centres and online help."

Each step of the pregnancy journey is mapped out in sections from finding out that you are pregnant, the birth, to getting to know your baby, as well as your mental health during pregnancy and after birth.

The project team thanked and acknowledged HSE colleagues in HSE Dublin and South East, as this booklet took their work and built on it to make it suitable for Cork and Kerry families.

Mr Ryan said: “This impactful booklet was funded by the Connecting for Life Programme, ensuring that families have the essential tools they need for a thriving start. This initiative exemplifies successful cross-disciplinary collaboration with the potential to significantly enhance the wellbeing of expecting and new mothers, as well as their support networks, including new dads.”