Mum who struggled in pregnancy and after giving birth now offering hope to other women

Emma McKinnon had a traumatic time throughout her first and second pregnancies and suffered mentally after her children were born.

The 33-year-old says she felt withdrawn and overwhelmed, was tearful, had a loss of appetite and felt unable to bond with her children.

Now she is providing vital support for women after graduating in psychology and becoming a therapist with a local counselling organisation.

Emma, who became pregnant for the first time aged 19, says she suffered mood swings and guilt about not having the 'conventional feelings' associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

During her third pregnancy, Emma reached out to Inverclyde's perinatal mental health team for help.

Their expert support soon became invaluable to the mental wellbeing of both herself and her family.

Emma said: "I had a really difficult time during my first two pregnancies and didn't have any support.

"During my second pregnancy I was really overwhelmed.

"I would've really benefitted from someone there to tell me how I was feeling was normal and that I shouldn't be ashamed.

"I wasn't myself and really did not enjoy my second pregnancy in particular, I was really unwell with severe sickness.

"I had the offer of medication but no talking support.

"I did have my husband Andrew, but it was really tough for him too as nobody really knew how to help me or what to do as it isn't something commonly spoken about."

Emma McKinnon

Emma, who is mum to Amelia, Pagan and Scarlette and step-mum to Molly, Gregor and Henry, says the support she received was a real lifeline.

She told the Tele: "I don't know what I'd have done without the support of the perinatal mental health team.

"I learned so much and it made such a massive difference to me.

"They let me know that these feelings I had were normal.

"It also helped Andrew as a study showed that dads aren't asked how they are coping after the birth of a new baby.

"We need to do more to support dads too."

Emma McKinnon

Emma studied for her psychology degree at the University of the West of Scotland and now works for Mind Mosaic in Greenock as a therapist.

She has been using her own life experience to support new parents across Inverclyde.

She told the Tele: "There were no support groups after I had children and I know it would've been so beneficial to be in an environment with like-minded individuals.

"Training and studying prepares you for the job, but having lived experience really lets you know what someone could be going through.

"I am able to share my own experiences with those who are going through similar times and offer my support, which can make such a difference to someone who might not want to confess their feelings.

"All too often parents, particularly mums, might think they are bad people when they are struggling with mental ill health in pregnancy or during the first postnatal year.

"The more we can to do normalise these conversations the sooner we can support as many people in Inverclyde as possible.

"I just want people to know that they aren't alone and hope that nobody suffers in silence."

Emma has also been instrumental in creating a new online support group for new parents through Mind Mosaic.

Initially the group will be aimed at new mums, however a separate group for new dads is in the process of being set up too.

For more information about the group or to speak to someone at Mind Mosaic, call 01475 892208 or visit www.mindmosaic.co.uk