“We need to talk about this”

Despite their significance, mental health crises following childbirth remain one of the taboo topics surrounding parenthood. How do those affected and their loved ones experience this challenging time? What consequences can stigma and a missing understanding have? And how can midwives contribute to raising the profile of postnatal mental health and providing families with support tailored to their needs?

At both the Fulda location and the partner campus location, Campus Marburg, a special exchange of experiences took place with four women who had themselves been affected by mental health conditions following childbirth. Whilst one woman described her experiences of postnatal depression, the others spoke about their experiences of postnatal psychosis. At the Fulda location, around 50 midwifery students took part in the course alongside Professor Johanna Neumeyer, academic assistant Claudia Mathes-Prock and the two women affected. Christina Miethe (31) was also accompanied by her parents, who contributed their perspective as family members to the discussion and vividly illustrated the challenges that postnatal mental health crises pose not only for those affected themselves, but also for their families. At the Marburg campus, professor Clara Eidt facilitated the session and supported the 20 midwifery students.

Both courses vividly demonstrated the added value that personal encounters offer to trainee midwives during their university studies. In addition to teaching the basics of research and evidence-based approaches, experience reports provide access to the individual lived experiences of affected families. They support empathy, sensitivity and a deeper understanding of the psychosocial challenges surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.

The women’s personal accounts were particularly moving. They described their journey through the crisis, the challenges they faced in seeking support, and the importance of understanding, professional guidance and social support. One of the women affected emphasised the vital role played by self-help services. “Exchanging experiences with others in the same situation through the Schatten & Licht e. V. self-help group was incredibly helpful for me. There, I realised that I am not alone and that I no longer have to feel like an outsider.”

At the Marburg campus, Kathrin Waidelich presented the work of the association. Schatten & Licht e. V., which operates nationwide, supports women and families affected by mental health crises relating to pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, and offers, amongst other things, self-help groups, counselling services and information materials.

During the course, the midwifery students discussed with the guests the warning signs of mental health issues during the postnatal period, the support needs of families, and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. The open atmosphere of discussion facilitated an exchange that went far beyond the content of textbooks.

When asked what message she would like to hand in to future midwives, one of the women affected replied: “Raise awareness of this topic among expectant parents, break down taboos and talk about it openly. Psychosocial support during the postnatal period is just as important as physical care.”

The midwifery students, too, were moved by these personal insights. As one participant summarised: “Encounters like these give the theoretical content a whole new meaning. The experiences of those affected make it clear just how important our role as midwives is in the early identification of and support for mental health issues.”

The course highlighted that midwifery studies are not based solely on technical and academic knowledge. Direct exchange with those affected and their families enables a shift in perspective, supports reflection and contributes to preparing future midwives for the complex demands of providing holistic supervision for families. Fulda University of Applied Sciences is thus setting an important example by linking academic teaching, practical orientation and real-life experiential expertise.