New mums with post natal depression not seeking help

New mums suffering from post natal depression are not seeking the help they need.

Out of 1000 mothers, one in five said they suffered from post natal depression but only 43 per cent admitted this to other people.

Only 18 per cent of the mums affected sought help from the GP with a larger proportion of 29 per cent turning to Google for advice.

The poll by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, found strong links to feelings of loneliness after giving birth, with 29 per cent revealing they felt desperate for help during the first 12 weeks of their baby’s life.

It appears midwives aren’t helping the situation with 26 per cent of mums saying they felt patronised by them and 14 per cent not finding them helpful.

Parenting expert at MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, Andy Cole said: “Post natal depression is a serious mental illness that mothers should seek professional help for. I can imagine that mothers may feel embarrassed or ashamed of feeling negatively when they have so much love for their new born, but it is an illness that cannot be prevented and affects many women – mothers shouldn’t feel ashamed.”