A SINGLE mother of three who experienced postnatal depression with her first two children has praised the “amazing” locally-based support services that have “held [her] together” since the birth of her third child.
Rachel Bukowska pointed out: “Life doesn’t always go to plan and I’m a single mummy.” 

The Dromore woman, who lives in Irvinestown, outlined that she has experienced “quite difficult circumstances” in recent months and has found “a range of local services that have been an amazing support.” 
Mother of Samuel, nine, who has autism, and Charlotte, seven, Ms. Bukowska found herself single and expecting her third child. 
Little Emily was born six months ago. 

Aware of her history of postnatal depression, Ms. Bukowska took steps to ensure supports were in place when the baby arrived.
“I knew I had mental health difficulties after my first two children – I went into postnatal depression. 

“My two older children are both angels but I knew that three was going to be a handful,” she told The Impartial Reporter.
Ms. Bukowska believes that “new babies are a blessing but they can also be overwhelming in terms of hormones, lack of sleep and hard work.” 

She said: “It can be so easy to sit in the house and new mums can become so isolated; it’s easy to think it’s too much hassle to get up and get out.”

For the past six months she has felt “empowered” by her involvement with the following groups: Sure Start, a government programme which provides a range of support services for parents and children under the age of four who live in disadvantaged areas across Northern Ireland; Home-Start, a charity with volunteers who help families with young children deal with the challenges they face; Lifestart, a charity which delivers a programme in the home aimed at helping parents be less stressed and supporting parents in their understanding of how a young child develops and learns; the Community Family Support programme, which aims to support families as they make life changing decisions to improve their everyday lives; the Westville Family Resource Centre, a charity which delivers a range of services to promote positive family values to parents; and Barnardos which can provide training programmes and workshops for parents.

“Between them, those services have held me together over the past six months,” said Ms. Bukowska

“Sure Start provides great courses such baby yoga and baby development programme, while Home Start sends out a volunteer to your home for a couple of hours per week. 

“The lady who comes to me is a wee ray of sunshine!” she added.

“Lifestart comes once a month for a friendly chat and provides information on baby development,” she continued.

“All the support is baby-focused. 
“It allows me to feel informed and confident.
“I almost feel like I have a team of cheer leaders,” Ms. Bukowska stated.

On facebook, she came across the Community Family Support Programme which signposted her to services in her area, including the Westville Family Resource Centre, where she is undertaking a course in nutrition and Barnardos, where she is completing a nurturing programme.

“As a result of attending these services over the past six months, I have had something on at least once a week which is fantastic for getting out of the house with a new baby,” Ms. Bukowska continued. 
“I feel that I’m achieving something and I am doing something positive for the kids. 

“I was speaking to other mums who agree that it can be so easy to sit in the house but these services give you that little push you need to get out and stay healthy,” she said.

A midwife suggested Ms. Bukowska join a breastfeeding support group on facebook and she has found the camaraderie and expertise of other mothers to be extremely beneficial.

“My message today is that it’s ok to struggle and it’s good to be able to admit that you are struggling but it’s even better to be able to get support so that you don’t have to struggle,” said Ms. Bukowska.
She concluded by saying: 

“It’s hugely important that these services are maintained, even knowing they are available is hugely important.”