Cathy has recently given birth to her third child, baby Luke. Michael, her 7 year old son has learning difficulties and he has become withdrawn and since the new baby was born. Amy, the middle child is getting very excited about starting primary school.

 

All these demands on Cathy have made her feel very overwhelmed and pulled in all directions. Cathy's husband works long hours and her family do not live nearby, so at times she feels lonely and isolated.

 

The Health Visitor referred Cathy to Home Link for some extra help. Susan, a Home Link befriender, visits once a week. Cathy feels reassured by Susan's visits and enjoys having someone to talk to. Susan also spends time with Amy, playing and reading her books about starting "big school." This allows Cathy time to focus on Michael.

 

Michael now enjoys helping his Mum with baby Luke and he is always talking to friends about his new baby brother. Cathy is feeling alot more adjusted to the new responsibilities of her life and Susan will continue to visit the family until Amy is settled into school.

 

Career professionals Michael and Ellen have been together for nine years. After trying several years for a baby they finally conceived and after a healthy pregnancy Ellen gave birth to a baby girl. The baby was born prematurely and was kept in an incubator for 6 weeks which interrupted the bonding process.

 

The couple found this a very stressful time and when the baby finally came home Ellen became very depressed and couldn't cope. Eventually Ellen's GP diagnosed Post Natal Depression. Ellen was prescribed anti-depressants and her GP also referred her to Home Link.  Ellen's befriender helped her regain some perspective on daily life and supported her as she attended and post natal depression support group. Ellen's befriender also helped her consider her own needs for self esteem and also options for returning to work perhaps full time.