Great Barr mum launches motherhood campaign
A mother from Great Barr who has tackled postnatal depression has created a new campaign to empower parents in a similar position.
Olivia Siegl was diagnosed with the condition when her daughter, Eva, was six months old.
She went on to create a Facebook group, that expanded into The Baby Bible blog in 2015, with a no-nonsense approach that would unite mothers who were going through a similar situation.
Two years on and Olivia has created ‘The Every Mum Movement’ born from a strong belief that ‘every mother deserves the right to enjoy motherhood’.
It will see mothers empowered and educated on the importance of taking care of their maternal mental health.
A campaign website has been launched and has attracted attention from Netmums and the National Childbirth Trust.
Olivia explained: “Following the birth of my two daughters I suffered with Postnatal Depression and Postnatal Psychosis.
“As a mum-to-be I was completely informed and prepared for the physical changes I was going to go through during pregnancy and childbirth, I was advised the best diet and the best exercise I needed to ensure I was physically well and strong enough for childbirth and what I needed to do post baby to ensure I regained my physical well-being.
“However, not once along the way, was I ever advised or ever read any information in all of the baby magazines, books and blogs on how to prepare myself mentally for motherhood and what to do if I was one of the one in five mums who developed a maternal mental illness.” Sadly, she did fall victim.
“Due to the devastating effect my illness had, not only on myself but my family, and my lack of awareness on what the illness was or how to fight it, I now want to do something to help other mums facing the same mental health battles.”
She continued: “Most importantly I want to directly reach every mum and every-mum-to-be worldwide with the message that their maternal mental health and well-being is as important as their physical health.
“When you become a mum and then a mum who is suffering with a maternal mental health illness, one of the biggest things you feel that is stolen from you is your ability to enjoy being a mum. The illness rips this joy from us and leaves us bereft.”
Visit the Every Mum Movement on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates or visit the site direct at www.everymummovement.com
