A British report found that, in the first year of life, pregnant women who are at risk of being separated from their babies are more likely to have psychological problems than other mothers. A study of more than 1,000 women in the county of Wales found that just over half reported a mental health condition in the prenatal assessment, and that three quarters of mothers received help from a general practitioner, or they contacted the hospital on mental health issues , In the pre-birth stage of their children.
Lisa Harker, director of the Family Justice Observatory in charge of the research, said the results showed that the rise in the number of children subjected to separate care was as much a mental health crisis for mothers as it was a parenting crisis.
"This highlights and underlines the need for enhanced support in a timely manner," she said, continuing, "If it is possible to provide assistance to women, especially when they report health concerns early in pregnancy, it may be possible to reduce the number of infants who are taken to care." Far from their mothers. ”
The study focused on mothers, in Wales, whose children were part of the care process until they reached their first birthday; Looking back, in the mother’s health and well-being, during and before pregnancy, and the interaction with maternity services and birth outcomes, compared to other pregnant women, in the general population. There is no equivalent research covering the entire United Kingdom.
The study found that 53% of pregnant women who are exposed to the possibility of withdrawing their children from them, have reported a mental health condition before birth, and 77% of them had contacts with health service providers related to mental health before the birth of their children.
Connection delay
The report also provides new statistics on how mothers of children interact with family court procedures for care services. Evidence indicates that a certain group of women is delaying contact, or may conceal their pregnancy, for fear of withdrawing their babies at birth, however, the results challenge this assumption.
At the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy, two-thirds of mothers in the comparison group booked an appointment for the initial evaluation. It is early enough to intervene and provide timely support. In contrast, only 5%, initial evaluation dates are too late, during or after 30 weeks.
The study was conducted by the Family Justice Data Company, in cooperation between the University of Lancaster and the University of Swansea, and family court records linked to maternal health data, in Wales.
"Previously, very little was known about mothers in care procedures regarding their health and well-being, generally before or during pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and engagement in antenatal services or data," said Dr. Lucy Griffiths, of Swansea University. On age, "she explained," This report provides a better understanding of mothers' needs and vulnerabilities, and will help guide the intervention that may be required. "
Last year, the same team released a report, which revealed the increasing number and number of children in special care, in Wales, especially in the first year of life. The "My Child and Me" project, launched in response to a previous study, in southern Wales and managed by Barnardo Simroe and Newport City Council, showed what could be done if there was early intervention to help pregnant mothers.
The first hurdle
Nine children were born, in 17 families who worked with the "My Child and Me" project, and seven of them returned to the family home with their mothers, while two remained in government care. "There is a great focus on parenting the infant, once the child is born," said Laura Bibi, a social worker, in the project. "The first hurdle is to persuade them to return to their homes (without their children)." We need to start work much earlier, because mothers want service and support. They want to keep their children. ”
Maternal risks
In the UK, two leading initiatives give mothers many opportunities to change their lives. Funded by the Salford Council, the Family Promotion Project is run by a nurse, midwife and social worker. The initiative's workers work to educate women and warn them of the dangers that they and their children are facing, due to drug and alcohol abuse. But more importantly, they also provide positive support and guidance, which may be strange to them. On the other hand, since 2008 the Family Drugs and Alcohol Court has dealt with various cases and achieved encouraging results; 35% of mothers helped reunite with their children, compared to 19% in regular family courts.
While programs that provide guidance and support will not prevent all cases of mothers depriving their children, providing more of these programs, for troubled mothers, can help them to raise their children successfully. For many of these women, who have not had the best in life, this may be the first time that they have been encouraged by someone who believes in them and nurtures their confidence; This gives them support to become successful and beloved mothers.
77%
Of the mothers who had mental health contacts before the birth of their babies.