My Blog

I remembered late on Friday, as I wrote in my journal, the significance of the 17th January – it was the day my book ‘Eyes without Sparkle – a journey through postnatal illness’ was published back in 2005. It prompted me to reflect on the impact of it, the changes and events in my life and the lives of many others since then.  It has been another journey! I shall touch upon aspects of this exciting and challenging journey in my next book http://www.hanzak.com/2013/12/contemplating-another-pregancy-after-postnatal-illness-please-can-you-help.html

Blimey! That son of mine is now a 17 year old young man doing his ‘A’ levels….and I am so proud of him!

I remain humbled and delighted to know that at least four ladies are still alive (they have told me so) because my book gave them the hope that one day they would emerge from the awful mental illness that impacted so severely upon them and does impact on some new mothers. Equally, many mothers and their loved ones have also shared with me how reading my story helped them. I am so grateful that Radcliffe Publishing recognised that my experiences (and those involved with me), would be helpful. I don’t think we realised that it would be so useful.

Poignantly, the 17th January also happens to have been the birthday of one lady who did take her own life whilst suffering from postnatal illness. The Joanne Bingley Memorial Foundation was set up to increase the awareness and campaign for better services. Since my book was published, I have also experienced the painful death of someone very close to me. I now also understand more about the impact that bereavement can have on so many aspects of our lives. This has fueled my passion even more to continue to speak out about this illness.

Many other people have contacted me to say that it has helped them to appreciate that postnatal illness ‘isn’t just me’. Consequently, we are in a ‘sisterhood’ of support and empathy with each other. I have been overwhelmed by the people who are willing to share their experiences via my survey for my next book.

The other aspect of sharing my story was to encourage health professionals to engage in supportive ways with the families in their care. Debby Gould, in her book ‘Welcoming Baby’ ,heard me speak a few years ago and mentions me regarding the impact that using the correct language can have on mothers.  I am thrilled that reading my book now can contribute to CPD points! See the link below from Amazon.

‘CPD with Radcliffe. This book can be used to achieve CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points through directed reading. We provide a free online form, and downloadable certificate for your appraisal portfolio. For more information and to claim CPD points on this book, visit http://www.radcliffehealth.com/series/cpd-books?page=4 ‘

So if you are a student or lecture in mental health or midwifery – please pass this on!

My regular readers will also be aware of my love for my niece who will be 4 on 14th February.  The joy she has brought to our family has also shown me the delightful addition a new baby can have within a family. This is part of the reason why I want to be an influence to help others achieve a mentally-well early motherhood.

I look forward to this next year and the developments in training, resources and awareness around postnatal illness.

If you have read my book, please would you post a review on Amazon for me? If it has helped you, then maybe we can encourage others to benefit too?

Thank you,

Elaine 🙂