Irish Wedding News
13/02/2015
More than a quarter of first-time mums have admitted they feel lonely following the birth of their child.
The new research, commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare and Netmums, found 28% of new mums are lonely since giving birth, while a further 24% have no family living nearby to help them settle into their new role as a parent. The study said these factors risk putting women at an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as post-natal depression.
In addition, for 14% of new mothers, they lose touch with old friends and colleagues, although this increases to 25% for those mums aged between 18 and 24. Meanwhile, 28% said they hadn't made any news friends since they became a mother. Again, this increased to 38% for younger women.
Motherhood is a stressful time for women, with 33% saying the experience was harder than they expected, with 37% feeling stressed. 17% admitted they had someone they could talk to about their worries.
Around a fifth of women said they didn't attend antenatal classes when they were pregnant, with 40% of mums aged 18 to 24 said the same. The report said this could be a contributory factor as to why first-time mums are less prepared for motherhood, as well as missing out on meeting other mums-to-be.
When it comes to connecting with other mums, 19% use an online forum, while 49% also use social media to say in touch with their friends once they become a parent.
Dr Steve Iley, AXA PPP healthcare Health Services Medical Director, commented: "The findings are concerning as we know that a strong support network is important to the psychological wellbeing of new mums.
"First time mums may be particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, having little or no hands-on experience of the demands and stresses of taking care of a newborn baby. Our investigation suggests this is a significant problem for many new mums – especially the youngest ones.
"For one reason or another, too many new mums aren't getting the social support that they need and we hope that our findings will encourage mums-to-be, their family and friends, and healthcare professionals to appreciate the importance of strong social connections and to take positive steps to help to sustain them once the new baby has arrived."
Cathy Ranson, Editor-in-Chief of Netmums, added: "Where once children were raised by family living by side, soaring housing costs and social changes mean many new mums now live too far away from their own parents to get practical help. Experts agree this type of isolation can leave them at risk of severe loneliness or even post-natal depression.
"That's why websites such as Netmums and social networks are so important as they help mums stay connected and share experiences... Sites such as Netmums offer parents the opportunity to meet new friends in their local area and meet up in the real world, providing them with a new network to rely on."
Christine Webber, an independent psychotherapist, said: "Often, first time mothers are not prepared for the fact that when they gain a baby they also lose a great deal of their former lives in the shape of their freedom, job, figure and sex life.
"It's important that first time mums are familiar with the concept of postnatal depression so that they don't feel too isolated, ashamed or inadequate if it happens to them – and also that they seek help promptly."
(JP/IT)
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One Quarter Of New Mums Feel Lonely
More than a quarter of first-time mums have admitted they feel lonely following the birth of their child.
The new research, commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare and Netmums, found 28% of new mums are lonely since giving birth, while a further 24% have no family living nearby to help them settle into their new role as a parent. The study said these factors risk putting women at an increased risk of mental health concerns, such as post-natal depression.
In addition, for 14% of new mothers, they lose touch with old friends and colleagues, although this increases to 25% for those mums aged between 18 and 24. Meanwhile, 28% said they hadn't made any news friends since they became a mother. Again, this increased to 38% for younger women.
Motherhood is a stressful time for women, with 33% saying the experience was harder than they expected, with 37% feeling stressed. 17% admitted they had someone they could talk to about their worries.
Around a fifth of women said they didn't attend antenatal classes when they were pregnant, with 40% of mums aged 18 to 24 said the same. The report said this could be a contributory factor as to why first-time mums are less prepared for motherhood, as well as missing out on meeting other mums-to-be.
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When it comes to connecting with other mums, 19% use an online forum, while 49% also use social media to say in touch with their friends once they become a parent.
Dr Steve Iley, AXA PPP healthcare Health Services Medical Director, commented: "The findings are concerning as we know that a strong support network is important to the psychological wellbeing of new mums.
"First time mums may be particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, having little or no hands-on experience of the demands and stresses of taking care of a newborn baby. Our investigation suggests this is a significant problem for many new mums – especially the youngest ones.
"For one reason or another, too many new mums aren't getting the social support that they need and we hope that our findings will encourage mums-to-be, their family and friends, and healthcare professionals to appreciate the importance of strong social connections and to take positive steps to help to sustain them once the new baby has arrived."
Cathy Ranson, Editor-in-Chief of Netmums, added: "Where once children were raised by family living by side, soaring housing costs and social changes mean many new mums now live too far away from their own parents to get practical help. Experts agree this type of isolation can leave them at risk of severe loneliness or even post-natal depression.
"That's why websites such as Netmums and social networks are so important as they help mums stay connected and share experiences... Sites such as Netmums offer parents the opportunity to meet new friends in their local area and meet up in the real world, providing them with a new network to rely on."
Christine Webber, an independent psychotherapist, said: "Often, first time mothers are not prepared for the fact that when they gain a baby they also lose a great deal of their former lives in the shape of their freedom, job, figure and sex life.
"It's important that first time mums are familiar with the concept of postnatal depression so that they don't feel too isolated, ashamed or inadequate if it happens to them – and also that they seek help promptly."
(JP/IT)
Top stories
20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant
Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance
Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth
Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend
Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life
Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle
Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans
Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids
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