Publish date: 1 May 2024
Meet Jodie Wells, Hadiss Khossravi, and Beth Western from the Trust’s Perinatal and Maternity Trauma Loss and Care service. They’re taking on a very special Parkrun at Osterley park this weekend, raising awareness of maternal mental health as part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. We asked them all about it and why they’re taking part…
[Pictured above, left to right: Jodie, Clinical Psychologist within the Perinatal Mental Health Team, Hadiss Khossravi, Principal Cognitive Behavioural Therapist/Clinical Lead within the Maternity Trauma and Loss Care (M-TLC) Service, and Beth, Specialist Nurse within the Mental Health Team]
- Why are you taking part in the Osterley Parkrun?
Jodie says: I’m joining Osterley Parkrun on Saturday (4 May) to raise awareness for maternal mental health.
Hadiss says: I'm taking part in the Osterley Parkrun to honour the resilience of mothers, birthing people, and families who have faced perinatal mental health difficulties and perinatal loss.
Accessing support at this very vulnerable time in a family’s life can be very difficult, and experiences of shame and guilt can also be a huge barrier. I hope that by taking part we can raise awareness for maternal mental health and that help and support are available; You are not alone. My participation is a tribute to the strength of these families, and a reminder that movement can be a powerful tool in the healing process.
Beth says: I will be joining the Osterley Parkrun this week to raise awareness of Maternal Mental health. I started doing Parkruns in January 2023 and have enjoyed the community around it. I love being able to chat as we move, gradually picking up the pace. Having started from a shuffle I can now jog the whole 5k! I love the sense of accomplishment after completing it on a Saturday morning.
- How important is staying active for your physical and mental health?
Jodie says: Being in nature, walking, and taking some active time for me is really important for my own wellbeing. I’m looking forward to sharing this alongside others in the community, whilst raising awareness of women and birthing people’s mental health in the perinatal period.
Hadiss says: Staying active is essential for my own physical and psychological wellbeing; it’s how I de-compress from the very emotive (yet incredibly rewarding) work at the Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service.
Beth says: We’re joining Parkrun as we know the benefits that movement and being social can have on our health and wellbeing.
- What are your top tips for someone who would like to become more active?
Jodie says: For those who can and want to become more active, my advice is to start small, be active within our own limits, and listen to our bodies.
Hadiss says: My advice would be to start small, listen to your body, and find activities you genuinely enjoy. Consistency is key; even small bursts of activity count. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how minor!
- Does staying active promote good perinatal health?
Jodie says: We know that social isolation is a common risk factor for poorer wellbeing in the perinatal period (the period typically the last few weeks of pregnancy through the first week after birth). Attending activities that promote self-care and exercise, such as the gym, taking part in sports, or going to wellbeing classes, are great but not always easily accessible following the arrival of a baby. Walking, running, and talking alongside others in a beautiful setting is one way of taking time for yourself - with the bonus of including your baby, family, and friends.
Hadiss says: Absolutely! Exercise during the perinatal period can help not only with physical strength, but also psychological resilience.
For those working through grief after baby loss, movement can offer solace, a moment of peace amidst pain, and a pathway to healing. It's not a cure-all, but it's an important factor in the journey toward healing and restoration.
Beth says: Starting to exercise and going outside can be overwhelming, especially in the perinatal period. Starting small with walks and talks and building up over time is a great way to begin your journey with movement, wellbeing, and learning what you love about movement!
We wish them all the best of luck over the weekend.
