Northern Ireland

Calls for maternal mental provision in NI to be overhauled

Members of the Mas project group at Falls Women’s Centre, which provides peer support during a difficult time for new mothers
Members of the Mas project group at Falls Women’s Centre, which provides peer support during a difficult time for new mothers Members of the Mas project group at Falls Women’s Centre, which provides peer support during a difficult time for new mothers

THERE were calls last night for maternal mental provision in Northern Ireland to be overhauled in a bid to improve the lives of mothers and their babies.

The Mas Project, which was set up by the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), has called for improvements in a number of key areas including, continuity of care, better resources in primary care, breastfeeding support and the creation of a mother and baby unit in the north.

The project, which has been taking place in eight women’s centres in Belfast, Derry and Lisburn, provides peer support to women who are pregnant or have children up to the age of three, offering them a platform to talk about their experiences in the health care system.

Members of the group yesterday met with assembly members and health leaders to tell them of their first-hand experiences.

Clare Anderson, Mas project co-ordinator, said: "It’s essential that women are listened to by our politicians and those leading the health service. By understanding women’s lived experiences, there is the potential to improve services.

"Early intervention is very important and providing support at an early stage can make a big difference."

She added: "Continuity of care is essential.

"Seeing the same medical staff develops trust and allows women to speak more openly about how they’re feeling.

"Some women felt that opportunities for early identification of perinatal mental health problems and support were missed because they saw someone new on each visit."

Gillian McCarroll, health co-ordinator/Mas worker at Ballybeen Women's Centre, said: "The women in the group felt that seeing the same midwife, health visitor, doctor was very important and it was useful so that they didn't have to repeat themselves every time.

"They felt that they would have more confidence in health care if this could be provided and when it does happen it makes a real difference."