Parent stories

"I finally feel heard, and seen"

Many parents who struggle during pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenting feel alone, and often think that how they feel is unusual or wrong. But with all the changes that parenting brings, many parents find this time hard.

Peer supporters are parents with 'lived experience'. They've been there too so know just how challenging this time in your life can be. They will listen, empathise and understand. 

Have a read of just some of things parents have said about their experience of peer support.

Being Dad

NCT Charity have put together a series of podcasts around ‘Being Dad’.

From dealing with changes in relationships to the pressures and challenges dads face, these podcasts are honest reflections from dads who have been there.

Sharing their own experiences, these dads talk openly about how they felt in the early days of becoming a parent.

Alexandra's story

Alexandra was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a suffering a medical trauma and sunsequently developed a fear of hospitals. When she fell pregnant, many memories and fears slowly resurfaced and Alexandra began to become very anxious about returning to hospital to give birth.

She eventually sought help and was referred for peer support by her midwife. Alexandra tells her story and explains how her peer supporter helped. 

Joya's story

Pregnant and alone through the COVID-19 pandemic, Joya was referred for peer support by her midwife.

Joya found herself struggling emotionally as she prepared for the arrival of their first child. She was unable to attend antenatal classes and her husband and family were in India and unable to travel to the UK. 

Joya shares her experiences of being pregnant through lockdown, and tells us about the difference peer support made.

Emma's story

Emma had experienced depression in the past as well as postnatal depression following the birth of her first baby. When her midwife referred her for peer support, she was starting to feel low again but did not want to take medication.

As is sometimes the case, Emma did not gel with the first volunteer she was matched with. A second volunteer was found however and their relationship flourished.