THE NSPCC has introduced a new service in Northern Ireland aimed at helping expectant parents who may be at risk of anxiety or depression.
The Pregnancy in Mind programme has already been operating in other regions of the UK.
The service is available for parents-to-be who are able to attend the six-session programme between 12 and 34 weeks of pregnancy and is delivered in small, virtual groups.
It uses a range of approaches including mindfulness, active relaxation and peer support to help participants manage any difficulties they may be experiencing.
The main objective of the service is to help build parents’ capacity to provide sensitive and responsive care to their babies and to maintain these skills after the birth and as their children develop.
Parents-to-be can refer themselves or they can be referred by their GP, midwife, health visitor or health professionals.
Geraldine McConaghy, Team Manager at NSPCC Northern Ireland, said the service had had "very successful outcomes in other regions of the UK and parents who have taken part have told us that it’s really helped them feel more prepared for when their baby has been born.
"It has also been shown to create stronger bonds between parents and their babies," she said.
"Many participants revealed that they no longer feel alone with their worries and, in fact, feel supported by the other people in the group who have experienced similar challenges before and throughout their pregnancy".
She added: "The launch of the service is particularly timely as so many people experienced stress and anxiety during the pandemic and just as we hoped normality might resume, there is now the cost-of-living crisis, which will inevitably put a further strain on the mental health of many parents in Northern Ireland".
Further information is available by contacting 028 20441 650 or nihubadmin@nspcc.org.uk.
