A lot of us have been glued to the recent ITV drama “Playing Nice”,adapted from the novel by J P Delaney. When Pete and Maddie discover that the child they brought home from hospital two years ago is not the same one as Maddie gave birth to, a plan to sue the hospital triggers an investigation into what happened on the day the babies were switched.
Whilst the story’s focus is on the real reason why the babies were switched, there is spotlight on postnatal depression (“PND”) and the severe impact this can have.
Maddie's journey was incredibly moving and relatable. Whilst the flashbacks to her intrusive thoughts and struggles bonding with her baby were hard to watch following her son, Theo’s traumatic premature birth, they were also very honest and will certainly resonate with many who have faced similar challenges.
The difficulties associated with neonatal intensive care(“NICU”) stays were also a focus, as was the modern-day struggles of a working mother.
Credit where credit is due: it was incredibly positive to see such a raw depiction of Maddie’s PND on screen, which can only help to “normalise” the issues and difficulties that can affect so many.
Grace Ofori-Attah, who adapted the book for television. isa former NHS doctor and psychiatry consultant, so perhaps it’s not surprising that the drama sought to raise awareness about PND.
PND is a type of depression that affects parents after having a baby. It affects 1 in every 10 women/ birthing people and can also affect fathers and partners. It is defined as post-natal depression if your symptoms last for longer than 2 weeks after giving birth.
Symptoms can include:
- a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
- lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
- finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby
- withdrawing from contact with other people
- problems concentrating and making decisions
- frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby
If you have symptoms of postnatal depression you should speak to your GP, health visitor or midwife.
Help and support is available from the Mental Health Foundation, Mind and local charities The Laura Centre and LAMP.
Kirsty Dakin, Associate Solicitor at MDS and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor said, “It is wonderful to see that such important topics are being highlighted on TV to raise awareness of the impact they can have and that people who have been through something similar are not alone.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by maternity claims. Click here to read more about how we can help you.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
