How loved ones can help

For partners, family and friends

• Ask what help is needed and listen to the answer without arguing.
• Take on a specific task: food, laundry, shopping, a walk or night-time care.
• Help arrange an appointment and offer to accompany her.
• Remind her that the condition is not her fault and that help is available.
• Protect time for sleep and reduce non-essential household expectations.

Avoid minimising the experience

If there is immediate risk, severe confusion, loss of contact with reality or a rapid deterioration, do not leave the woman alone with the baby and seek emergency help.

• ‘All mothers go through this.’
• ‘You should just be grateful.’
• ‘Pull yourself together for the baby.’
• ‘You look fine, so it cannot be that serious.’

If you need urgent help