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For a long time I have wanted to have a conference on perinatal mental health in Scotland. Thanks to the support from the efficient and lively Salford OneCPD team, this was made possible last week as the third of our joint events, based on my second book, went ahead in Edinburgh. The first was one year ago where we launched ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye – contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness’ (CRC Press 2015).  It was so encouraging for people to put their memories of that event on social media e.g. Dr Andy Mayers wrote ‘your book is certainly helping many families’.  We then had a subsequent conference in London at the end of May. This one again included great presentations from healthcare professionals and mothers who have faced the “PMI and another child” decision.

I put the programme together for Edinburgh, Scotland with a similar range of topics and was determined to use as many speakers based there as possible. This would enable the best networking opportunities and potential joint working as well as inspiring other areas by examples of great practice. We did have delegates from all over the UK, not just Scotland. This included Liz Auld, whom Mike and I had worked with earlier this year in Jersey. I was so pleased to hear that the awareness raising days we did there have produced an ever expanding range of services on the island.

Here is a review of who spoke at Edinburgh and some helpful resources for you.

I was pleased to fly from Manchester to Edinburgh – it feels even more exciting when you get on a plane to go to a venue! I stayed at the Jury’s Inn that was right by Waverley Station that is just a few moments walk to the venue on St. Mary’s Street, just off the Royal Mile. The Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue was ideal and we were well catered for, with every need met. We had two adjoining rooms that were opened up each break to enable delegates to take refreshments, network and visit our exhibition stands.

Thank you to MH Tom UHNM @RMNtom_UHNM for photo

I opened the day with a brief introduction of my personal journey of perinatal mental illness, my book, change of career and subsequent writing. I shared the news that my second book has been awarded ‘highly commended’ by the BMA – I did this to emphasise that an individual is able to make a positive difference.

Our first speaker was Elaine Clark RMN, MSc, chair of Maternal Mental Health Scotland and the Scottish representative on the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA); Perinatal Nurse Consultant for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Maternal Mental Health Scotland is a forum of health professionals in Scotland who work with pregnant women, new mums, and their families and carers. Their members also include women who have experienced maternal mental health issues and their families. Elaine shared with us the work of the forum; her role; the current situation in Scotland for perinatal mental health; risk factors and also the need for preconception counselling for those at risk of PMI (perinatal mental illness).

Find out more here: http://maternalmentalhealthscotland.org.uk/; on Facebook: Maternal Mental Health Scotland Change Agents Or tweet @MMHScot

Also check out the new mapping tool for perinatal mental health by Mums and Babies in Mind.

After the break we had an excellent presentation by Cheryl Wilkinson (BSc, DipHE), CEO and President of UKPEA, who spoke about a better pregnancy and birth experience. She explained why a good birth experience is more than the baby being delivered alive. She touched on her own experience of birth trauma and how that can lead to PMH problems. Cheryl continued by sharing some ideas on how a subsequent pregnancy and birth can be planned to be a more positive one.

We then had Lauren Knight and Sarah Wheatley from the award wining Juno Perinatal Mental Health support group, based in Edinburgh. I had asked them to share how peer support can help someone contemplating a second pregnancy. I love they ways they reported how this is managed with a non-judgemental approach.

The Juno team at the event

So what have you said when meaning to be helpful and in hindsight know it wasn’t?

Just before lunch I was very pleased that my next speaker had been able to attend very shortly after several weeks working in the USA. Mike Coote certainly provoked thoughts around our use of language and how that can have real impact both positively and negatively on our personal and professional behaviour and outcomes. The aim was that we all have our part to play in using language that helps rather than hinders or judges others. This can make a big difference to those who are contemplating another baby after experiencing PMI.

It was a pleasure to hear the buzz around the room over lunchtime as people spoke as they ate, visited the stands and networked.

I began the afternoon session by touching on some of the areas that are included in my book that we did not have specific speakers on today. These included:

• the impact of the media on PMI
• the importance of bonding, sleeping and attachment
• the wider family and siblings

One crucial aspect around the decision to have another child involves the relationship of the parents. We heard from Marion Laird, Director of National Development from The Spark. She described some of their sessions and support that they offer with a reminder of some of the ways we all can help to improve relationships. We had met when I spoke at the Infant Mental Health event in London for PIP UK earlier this year. I am always very pleased to be able to share contacts and information, so please come and speak to me at events – who knows where it may lead!

I had also wanted to include something around children so invited Aberlour Children’s Charity, to present. Catherine Buchanan and Angie Rennie described their Perinatal Befriending Support Service. This has arisen though working with Family Action, who I know well. They use some tips for mental health.

After the afternoon break, our final session was aimed at reminding delegates that today was about real lives. Clare Thompson was brave to share her views on why the choice to have a one child family can be a happy and content decision to make. Clare is one of the MMHS Change Makers in Scotland. I am delighted to hear that they are going to be involved in research too. I have many other examples of couples who decide not to extend their families – the aim is to support people with a decision that is right for them.

Our next speaker was Amanda MacLeod who had travelled from the Western Isles. She shared her story of postnatal illness and the difficulties she had faced feeling isolated by stigma and lack of support. Now well, she vows to help make perinatal mental health awareness and services better for ladies in isolated areas where she lives. Her touching description of the support of her husband brought a tear to many of our eyes. At the same time, the sense of joy and pride in her strength and commitment to others now, was also moving.

She credited our next speaker, Rosey Wren, founder of PND and Me as part of her recovery. Rosey also shared her personal experience of perinatal mental health challenges; how #PNDHour started and how to get involved. She concluded by outlining some of the benefits of peer support alongside professional support. I am thrilled that she is on the MIND Media blogger awards shortlist for her work.

I concluded the day by thanking all those involved. In addition to all the speakers who had information tables we also had information from APP for those affected by bipolar disorder and/or puerperal psychosis. We had sponsorship and information on maternal nutrition from Nutricia and also a stand from CrossReach Counselling and Bluebell PND Support.

One request I made was on behalf of Helen Jeffery and her play on postnatal depression, The Brink.  She would love to have it include in the Edinburgh Fringe festival next August. How can we make this happen? What can you do to help?

All of the delegates left with a copy of my latest book along with all the information of the day.

I have been overwhelmed by some of the feedback. I am so pleased that it helped people personally and professionally. These are some examples:

‘Absolutely outstanding day..learnt so much feel soooo blessed to have had my eyes and ears wide open…see listen hear discuss… Care! Maternal mental health matters… If we get it right for every mom we get it right for every child’

‘Have soooo many new ideas and contacts from networking.. Even when I feel like JUST ME..A little fish in a big pond I realise there is a SISTAHOOD of women out there with hearts 💕 and minds to help others heal. If we can hear and help just one woman then that’s all the motivation we need.. Stamp out stigma on Perinatal Mental health’

‘An outstanding day in Edinburgh, blessed to have been able to attend. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I networked the room, just like you suggested. I’m more motivated and inspired now to make the changes needed in my region. My spark has been ignited and is ready to burst into flames any time now. Thank you for a wonderful day,  with incredible speakers and an amazing host. Elaine, you are living proof, as am I, that small things make a huge difference. Thank you.’

Here are some more photos that were on social media too – thank you to those who took and posted them.

I am very grateful to all who made the event possible – the speakers, the venue team and Salford OneCPD, the delegates and all the support, including childcare, they may have needed from others so that they could attend. There is now a rumour of holding the next one in the Midlands – watch this space and let me know if you would like to be there!

We had a relaxed evening after the event and a very tasty meal at The Apex hotel followed by a quick bus tour of the city the next morning. So often at conferences there is no space to also see part of the area. We made this happen this time! What a vibrant city and so many tourists taking in the history.

I sincerely look forward to another event in Scotland and  further growth in awareness and services up there. On the bus tour we drove passed the Scottish Parliament – who can get me to meet Nicola Sturgeon MSP and add to the campaign?

Best wishes

Elaine