A STEETON mother-of-two is urging new mums to come forward if they need support with their mental health.

Katie Valerie has spoken about her own experiences in the hope of encouraging others, who may be struggling, to seek help.

Both she and Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust are backing the message in support of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which begins next Monday (April 29).

The initiative spotlights the mental health challenges faced by many mothers before, during and after pregnancy.

Katie, now 33, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was in her late teens.

Due to the condition, when she gave birth she was at greater risk of the severe mental health illness postpartum psychosis and depression, so sought help from the care trust’s Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service (SMABS).

Katie credits the care she received with making a huge difference to her emotional wellbeing.

She says: "My first little boy was born during the pandemic, so it was a difficult time due to other external pressures – on top of becoming a new mum – and my partner and family were concerned about the risk of me developing postpartum depression and psychosis.

"Having family and friends around to help is amazing, and I can’t thank them enough, but it's been nice to have support from someone who isn’t family – like my wonderful SMABS care co-ordinators. They're able to reassure you that some of the intrusive thoughts you experience are 'normal' for new mums.

"In the early weeks it’s common to feel you're not bonding properly with your baby, but the SMABS team discusses these thoughts with you and provides reassurance.

"The care I received was nurturing and personalised, and my partner and family knew that they too could reach out if they had any concerns or questions.

"When the care co-ordinators came to see us at home it felt relaxed, like another friend or family member visiting, which helps when you might already be feeling anxious.

"My SMABS doctor would ring me regularly to see how I was. There were also online video meetings with various doctors, obstetricians, my community midwife and SMABS team. I feel forever grateful for the service."

Dr Lisa Milne, SMABS clinical lead, says: "We’re delighted to get behind Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and encourage mums like Katie to seek support."

For more about the service, visit bdct.nhs.uk/services/specialist-mother-baby-mental-health-service