I had a difficult pregnancy. I was sick for 15 weeks and had a lot of pain. My labour was 23 hours. I had an emergency C section. I lost a lot of blood and my liver started to fail. My blood pressure was sky high. I never dilated properly and my baby’s heartbeat dropped to half of what it should have been twice.

When I returned home with my baby I had post-natal depression and scabies. I was so low. My confidence was at rock bottom.

I wasn’t a natural mother and at times I really struggled. I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t bond with my baby and felt like a monster for not having loving thoughts and feelings towards her.

Before being pregnant I’d never heard of post-natal depression so I didn’t understand that I was ill.

Going to playgroup was the most difficult thing for me to do at the time as I’d never felt lower or more useless in my life.

I only went for the last 30 minutes as it had taken so long to pluck up the courage to get myself there.

What was brilliant was when I very timidly asked “Can I come in?”. Bernard the playgroup leader said: “Of course. Come in!” Just the smiling welcome I needed!

It was great at the group because there was support if I needed it but to start with I was left alone to find my feet. Exactly what I needed because anything else could have been overwhelming and I may not have returned.

Through the group I made friends and went on to attend other groups. Even helping out at playgroup when my daughter was at nursery.

The kindness I was shown will always live on in my heart. Never underestimate the power of a smile!

And by the way… post-natal depression affects so many people. Please don’t suffer in silence. Contact your G.P.