My Blog

The last week has included some real blessings that have happened as a result of me having puerperal psychosis after I became a mother. It makes me think of the closing scene of the BBC’s War and Peace:

I’d like to share with you why I agree.

It always feels special to be inside the Houses of Parliament! Being part of the 1001 Critical Days  meeting on Monday 1^st February was no exception. I feel encouraged by all the plans that are taking shape and of the involvement of an increasing number of politicians. I am in the process of arranging a meeting with my own MP to ensure he is aware of this committee and the need for its work. This was taken inside the meeting room.

Raja Gangopadhyay, who was also there, wrote on Facebook:

‘It was an honour to attend the All Party Parliamentary Group meeting at the as a part of the 1001 Critical Days campaign. It was so refreshing for me (as a Consultant Obstetrician) to see the highlight now on prevention of PMH illnesses and focus on pregnancy. Our front bench was under the spotlight today: I would like to commend Antonella Sansone (for discussing the importance of research on mindfulness in pregnancy), Elaine Hanzak (for highlighting pre-pregnancy care and counselling) and Kathryn De Vecchi (for discussing the importance of involving Treasury Team). I discussed about the importance of good antenatal education, robust psychological care (during pregnancy and beyond) and most importantly putting the mums (and dads) first and foremost in the centre of care and decision making.’

I’ve never actually ‘spoken’ in the Houses of Parliament before. It felt good after all these years to be in a building where, I like to believe, changes and improvements can and will be made for perinatal and infant mental health.

I returned to London again on Thursday to speak at the ‘Maternity, Midwifery and Baby’ event. I had been told that over 500 people had signed up to my seminar and was thrilled to have the room packed out – even with people sitting on the floor. My talk was based around my latest book – fitting the key points into 23 minutes was a challenge for me! Here is the actual film of it. Please feel free to share with whomever you feel will benefit from it at either a personal or professional level – or both.

I was delighted to sell many books and there were comments that I had brought tears to eyes! That wasn’t my aim! Sue, a community midwife, sent me this message:

‘Last Thursday I had to sit on the floor, at the front of a packed room of health professionals like myself (I am a community midwife). I ended up in tears! We were all there to listen to you; all so keen to learn from you. The reason for my tears…you… not because I felt sorry for you, not the sadness of yours and many like yours experience, not because I have experienced PN depression or any perinatal mental health myself. The tears were for how inspiring I found your talk, the passion, the heart you put into it. I just wanted to message and say thank you for such a perfect seminar.’

To say I am thrilled is an understatement! Such comments serve to motivate me even more!

Currently I am working on presentations for events later this month for a couple of NHS Trust events.

In May I will be chairing and speaking at two events that are open to the public. The first is on 4^th May ‘Improving the Quality of Perinatal Mental Health Services’ and will be run by Healthcare Conferences . They are happy to offer a 20% discount which can be claimed by quoting ref: hcuk20eh when booking online or by emailing Jayne@hc-uk.org.uk.

Secondly, in London on 24^th May, there will be the second conference to be held on the subject of my most recent book, ‘The Perinatal Mental Illness Conference and Exhibition – Contemplating Another Pregnancy’, organised by Salford CPD.

As I sat at my desk today planning for future events I took a break when I heard the postman – an exciting letter arrived! I can honestly say that I am thrilled because I have been nominated for an award! It’s The Cheshire Woman of the Year Award 2016.

I am touched that someone has considered me to be ‘an exceptional woman for this prestigious award which gives recognition to women from all walks of life who have shown personal courage, achieved outstanding professional success, or given services to their local community.’

The special lunch will be held the day after my son turns 20 in April – just a couple of miles away from where he was born!

So if you feel that life is a challenge at the moment, take comfort and hope that one day you will have blessings again.

Elaine 🙂