New Parents

'For the first few weeks after the birth we had family and friends dropping in to share the joy. These visits eased up and we were on our own. This was quite a shock. We had quite a carefree life before the baby and it feels guilty saying it, as we both love our daughter dearly but there was part of me that longed to jump in the car and just take off like we used to.

I knew my wife was struggling. I went back to work and regained that break and different challenge. My wife stayed at home. I know she struggled with this and although people were welcoming at various clubs she felt lonely. Babies don't talk much.

Ours is a traditional family where there is expectation of the joy of having children and just getting on with it. That's what our parents did. I know my wife felt guilty for feeling the way she did. Having a baby is amazing but its also hard. It made me feel ashamed to admit we were struggling.

I felt I couldn't reach out to family. I didn't want to be the one being talked about and it was unfair on my wife as she would be the focus of the attention.

We suffered in silence. We shouldn't have. We should have reached out. I think it would have been beneficial to talk to someone not part of the family, not in our circle of friends. To be able to talk about how we were feeling and even if they just listened that would be enough. Babies are amazing but its also ok to say your struggling.

We had each other but please don't suffer in silence.'

Suman, The Midlands.