New beginnings!

[Kia]

Hi there!

I am really excited to be writing my first post on our brand new forum! As a survivor of PNI I have learned a lot about myself and this illness over the past couple of years. It's been a long but worthy battle and I am proud to stand up now and say, yes I plummeted to the depths of despair, and then... I got better. The how and the why and the when... Well, I will tell you about it all by and by. But one of the main things I realised was just how important it was to have an outlet for my feelings... The daily frustrations... Somewhere to vent, and to feel safe venting. When I was at that stage I was still in the UK, and I found pni.org.uk. It was a ray of light, a little lifeline. 

I have since moved back to beautiful NZ and am getting on with living life, and finally enjoying my little family. However, I have not forgotten my struggles. I so strongly feel I still want to try and help, listen... and still reach out to others going through the same kind of struggles with PNI that I experienced. I was surprised to find no dedicated forum for Post Natal Illness here in New Zealand. It is very clear from my research and reading around the subject of Post Natal Illness that it's a very common and growing phenomenon worldwide. There is a need for greater transparency, respect, understanding and education. 

So here we are. Right at the start. It's a nerve wrecking and exciting place to be. But I know there will be a wonderful and supportive community about to emerge. To support... To inspire... To understand. Please join us. 

Together every step of the way.

Take care of yourselves.

Kia x

[miss]

Thank you for creating more support!

[Kia]

Thank you miss! And a very warm welcome. This forum is all about its members. So the more the better!

Kia
X

[brendon]

Hi all,
I really like the idea that there is another online forum for people to share... It is well known in Auckland that the PND support network provides personal and group support, they run a great ship, those girls!

For every family in these situations, there is a dad somewhere, hopefully close... If he is informed, understands how best to support his partner and/or help mind the kids/house/dishes, according to experts, a supportive partner is vital to mum's recovery. Their role is often to ensure mum gets support from others, play fun games with baby and do housework, but their needs should not be ignored - they probably need someone to talk to - preferably a guy, and that is where we come in...

Father and Child trust has been partnering with PND support groups for over fifteen years. We have experienced staff who understand these situations. We provide phone, personal and group support in Auckland... similar in Christchurch...

if you or anyone needs any reference materials or support, just let us know - you are not alone!
brendon

[Kia]

Hi Brendan!

Thanks so much for posting. I totally agree, the more variation in support out there the better.  I wasn't aware of any other forum like this one in NZ, although I am aware of (and a member of a couple of) closed facebook group pages. The idea behind this forum here is that it gives folks a chance to start a dialogue without having to 'sign in' under real names like facebook. In many cases I think this can help. Having said that if you can signpost to any other resources you know of that would be great, I am gathering info for a directory which may take some time.

I also agree that the role that Dads/Partners can play is vital, and it's absolutely true that their own needs should not be ignored. It's a tough battle, which we all ride out together in the best way we know how. Looks as though you guys are doing some fantastic support work there. We have created a category here for partners/family/friends... so I will certainly be signposting to your website/service in future I am sure.

Please come back and share with us. 

Thanks again,

Kia

[blackblazer]

Hello I am black.