“My son has a mother because of them. My husband has a wife. I have my life. All because of this incredibly invaluable team.”
We caught up with Sophie to talk about her journey with the Perinatal Mental Health Team. Sophie has opened up about her challenging pregnancy, traumatic birth experience, and severe postnatal mental health struggles in an effort to raise awareness and express gratitude to the healthcare professionals who saved her life.
“From a young age, I had always dreamed of becoming a mother. At the age of 30, my husband and I decided it was time to try for a baby. Within four months, I was thrilled to discover I was pregnant. However, during my eight-week midwife appointment, I was informed that my pregnancy would be classified as ‘high risk’ due to a previous cervical procedure. This led to increased monitoring and heightened anxiety throughout my pregnancy.”
Adding to the stress, at 16 weeks pregnant, Sophie’s father was hospitalised following complications from a surgery. Over the next eight weeks, she travelled daily to visit him in intensive care, until his passing — a traumatic experience that cast a shadow over the remainder of her pregnancy.
As she entered the third trimester, Sophie faced severe pain and medical complications, making it impossible for her to enjoy her pregnancy.
Sophie experienced an extremely difficult labour and a traumatic birth, followed by subsequent health scares that triggered a severe decline in her mental health.
“I experienced extreme insomnia, where every time I tried to sleep, I would jolt awake in panic. I was desperate for help, but repeatedly dismissed as suffering from ‘baby blues'.
"However on the third day after returning home, a compassionate midwife recognised the severity of my condition and advocated for immediate medical intervention.”
Despite strong sedatives, her sleep disturbances persisted, and her mental state deteriorated rapidly. She soon found herself battling suicidal thoughts and an overwhelming fear for both her and her baby’s safety.
“At my lowest point, the Perinatal Mental Health Team stepped in, providing me with intensive support that ultimately saved my life.
“A Specialist Nurse named Charlotte became my lifeline, offering daily check-ins, emotional support, and a listening ear. Another team member, Emma, worked closely with me to rebuild my confidence as a mother and strengthen the bond with my son. Weekly therapy sessions with Sammie helped me process the trauma, manage my anxiety, and regain a sense of self-worth.”
With the unwavering support of the team, Sophie gradually began to heal. After months of dedicated care, she found joy in motherhood and regained control of her life.
Today, she credits the Perinatal Mental Health Team for giving her a second chance at life and ensuring that her son has a loving, present mother.
“By sharing my journey, I hope to raise awareness and encourage other struggling mothers to seek help.”
In a heartfelt message, she expressed her immense gratitude.
“My son has a mother because of them. My husband has a wife. I have my life. All because of this incredibly invaluable team.”
Sophie’s powerful and brave story is a testament to the importance of maternal mental health support and the life-changing impact of dedicated healthcare professionals.
Having a baby can be an extremely stressful time for mothers and some might need the support of our specialist service. If you would like to know more about the service, please visit the Perinatal Mental Health Team page. You can discuss the service with professionals involved in your care, such as your GP, midwife or health visitor, and they can refer you if appropriate.
You can also request a referral to the service through the 24/7 Single Point of Access. Call (01472) 256256 and select option 3.
