3 days ago
Kerry moms get new book on well-being during pregnancy and post-birth
The booklet is available in Kerry and Cork and offers useful advice on topics including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health supports.
Dr Freda Wynne, Senior Clinical Psychologist, said the booklet outlines the fundamental elements in the importance of carving out time for oneself.
It addresses the mental health concerns that new mothers may face and directs them to the appropriate resources for support. Additionally, the book includes a comprehensive list of services ranging from acute care to community-based family resource centres and online support.
The booklet is a joint project between staff at University Hospital Kerry, HSE South West mental health services, and Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). It is funded by HSE South West 'Connecting for Life' (the regional self-harm and suicide reduction plan).
Martin Ryan, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, with HSE South West said the booklet's 'Connecting for Life' link ensures that families have the essential tools they need for a thriving start.
'This initiative exemplifies successful cross-disciplinary collaboration with the potential to significantly enhance the well-being of expecting and new mothers, as well as their support networks, including new dads,' Mr Ryan said.
The project team thanked and acknowledged HSE colleagues in HSE Dublin and South East, as this booklet took their work and built on it to make it suitable for families in Cork and Kerry.
The team included staff from the Perinatal Mental Health Service in CUMH and UHK included Dr Freda Wynne, Senior Clinical Psychologist; Breda Bird, Clinical Midwife Manager 2 (CMM2); Zodwa Lenihan, Clinical Midwife Specialist (CMS); Louise Chawke, CMM2.
It also involved Martin Ryan, (Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork); and Donagh Hennebry (Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Kerry).
