06/05/2026
Maternal mental health matters: Rachel’s story
This week marks the 10th annual Maternal Mental Health Awareness week, a week created to shine a light on the emotional and mental wellbeing of women during pregnancy and the first year after birth. It highlights that mental health challenges at this time are common and treatable, and that no one should feel alone or ashamed to ask for help.
We provide mental health support for mums during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Since our specialist perinatal services began in 2018, we have helped over 4,000 women in the community and at our Mother and Baby Unit, Ribblemere, located at Chorley Hospital. One of those mums is Rachel Lucas, from Clitheroe.
Rachel’s first pregnancy in 2019 was relatively straightforward, although she remembers starting to experience anxious feelings as the birth became closer. Rachel felt that something might go wrong and after her daughter was born, that anxiety intensified.
Rachel explains: “During my baby’s newborn checks the doctor noticed markers that could indicate Down’s Syndrome so further tests had to be arranged. That news came as a huge shock as nothing had been flagged during my pregnancy. The results came back a few days later and confirmed my daughter didn’t have Down’s Syndrome but by this point I hadn’t slept for four days. I became overwhelmed by anxiety and was convinced if I fell asleep something terrible would happen to my baby.”
"Whilst I was still on the maternity ward, I tried to explain that I didn’t feel right and I was experiencing intrusive and confusing thoughts, but I felt like my concerns were attributed to stress and exhaustion. When I went home my symptoms quickly got worse”
At home, Rachel’s condition deteriorated, she was unable to sleep, her thoughts were racing and she began experiencing delusions.
Rachel continues: “One night, I became convinced I was in labour again and that everything since giving birth had been a dream. I recognised that something really wasn’t right and I asked my partner and mum to take me to A&E. When we arrived, I was terrified but desperate for someone to listen to me but at the same time, I was really scared they would think I was unfit to care for my baby. The few hours we were there felt like the longest wait ever, I totally lost any sense of time and it didn’t feel real.”
After an initial assessment suggested heightened anxiety, Rachel was due to be discharged. However, concerns about a possible infection meant she remained in hospital. Overnight, her symptoms worsened significantly, she became disoriented, fearful, and suspicious of everyone.
Rachel was diagnosed with suspected postpartum psychosis (PP), a severe but treatable mental health condition that affects around 1 - 2 in every 1,000 births, usually appearing suddenly within the first two weeks after childbirth. Symptoms can include confusion, extreme mood changes, hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty sleeping. She was transferred to a specialist Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), where she stayed for six weeks.
Specialist Mother and Baby Units, such as Ribblemere at Chorley Hospital, mean babies can stay with their mothers in hospital whilst they receive treatment.
Reflecting on that time, Rachel comments: “I was really frightened and confused when I was first admitted to hospital. For the first few weeks I believed I was in prison and thought I had harmed my daughter and at times I also believed I had died.
"I was so unwell I found it really difficult to care for my baby but the MBU made such a difference. I was still able to be part of some of those early moments, with their help I was there for her first bath and our first walk together, that meant everything to me. As I gradually recovered, I was able to rebuild our bond.”
Stef Maudsley, Nurse Consultant explains: “Mother and Baby Units like Ribblemere are so important, they allow mothers with serious mental health problems to access mental health support and treatment whilst remaining alongside their babies. The unit is staffed by compassionate specialist multidisciplinary staff including psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and nursery nurses. Mothers are cared for whilst their relationships with their babies can be supported to continue to develop.
"The exact nature of the treatment that is provided will differ for each mother depending on the nature of their difficulties and is decided upon jointly between the mother, the multi-disciplinary team and closely involving family.”
When Rachel became pregnant with her second child in 2021, she worked closely with specialist perinatal mental health services and her midwife to create a care plan. In the plan they discussed medication choices, birth preferences and how treatment would look if Rachel experienced postpartum psychosis symptoms again.
Rachel describes: “I’d always wanted multiple children and although I was aware of the risk to my mental health, I felt hopeful that it was the circumstances leading up to my first PP episode that contributed to me becoming unwell. I was anxious throughout my pregnancy but I had a lot of support from my perinatal mental health team, the charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) and my incredible midwife, who made sure all my appointments were with her so I didn’t have to keep explaining my history.
"I didn’t get the same excitement towards the end of this pregnancy as I was anticipating what could happen. I had an amazing birth and the midwives really listened and understood my fears and kept me calm until I was able to go home.”
After leaving Burnley Birth Centre Rachel was visited daily by the Community Perinatal Mental Health Team but despite this support, she began to experience early signs of postpartum psychosis again. The symptoms displayed themselves again as severe anxiety, insomnia and obsessive thoughts about her baby’s safety. This time the signs were recognised quickly, and Rachel was admitted to Ribblemere for treatment.
Rachel continues: “My partner, James, spotted the signs first and was able to raise the alarm quickly. Having prior knowledge, early intervention and support made a significant difference to my recovery the second time. Although it was still scary, I was able to advocate for myself and I remained closely involved in my baby’s care throughout my eight week stay.”
Since being discharged Rachel has experienced depression and anxiety but has continued to recover with the right support. Rachel is passionate about raising awareness of postpartum psychosis and maternal mental health. This passion has seen her work for APP to support other mums experiencing postpartum psychosis and recently running the London Marathon and committing to another 82-mile challenge later this year.
Rachel adds: “I had never heard of postpartum psychosis before it happened to me. Knowing the signs or even just knowing where to go for help, could have made such a difference. It’s important that we talk about these experiences so other families don’t feel as alone.
"If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ask for help. You’re not alone and things can get better!”
If you are concerned about yourself or a family member please speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor who can refer you for the correct support. If you require urgent help you can call NHS 111. For more information, guidance and peer support relating to postpartum psychosis, visit the national charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis (link in the comments).
More information on LSCFT’s perinatal services, which are rated as Outstanding by the CQC, can be found on our website (link in the comments.)
