Becoming a parent

Whilst we have a “Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policy” covering the legal side of becoming a parent, there are further physical and phycological impacts that come with being a parent. Childbirth can have physical impacts that weren’t expected and then physically impact your ability to return to work following maternity leave. When you do return we will complete a Return-to-Work Risk Assessment with you to ensure that the workplace is best suited for you, however it is important that you continue to keep us up to date with any changes to your physical health as it improves, changes, or declines so we can help manage this. If your symptoms continue, please see GP guidance on managing this.

Not every condition is physical, it is vital that you also focus on your mental health following becoming a parent. It is an extremely stressful time and there are a lot of changes to get used to. 

Postnatal depression (PND) affects 10-15 women out of every 100 that give birth, with varying symptoms. The symptoms are similar to depression and can begin at different stages following childbirth, however, it often goes undiagnosed. 

Symptoms include: 

• Depression 
• Irritability 
• Tiredness and Sleeplessness
• Appetite Changes
• Apathy 
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts
• Psychotic symptoms

Should you believe that you are experiencing any symptoms of post-natal depression or anxiety, we recommend that you contact your GP and/or Vitality Health. For a further breakdown on what PND is, the symptoms and managing it, the NHS have provided the following guide: https://www.sth.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/PostNatalDepression%5B1%5D.pdf. 

Any concerns should be highlighted to your GP who can assist with a treatment plan.

These conditions are not only restricted to child bearers; if any new parent begins to experience anxiety or depression it is important to recognise this and get help.