Postnatal Depression

What can partners/friends/relatives do to help?

• Encourage the mother to seek help
• Try to ensure that she gets enough sleep, food and exercise
• Encourage her to talk to someone about her feelings
• Make sure she has a small daily treat
• Remind her that she will get better
• Help her relax, a massage may help
• Reassure her that you will support her
• Make sure that she does not spend long periods alone
• Find out about PND and be prepared to talk about it

• Don't tell her to pull herself together
• Don't walk out on her, however difficult she is.
• Don't leave her alone with the baby for long periods
• Don't encourage her to drink too much alcohol