March 21, 2019 - 1374 views
New mums struggling with mental health problems are set to benefit from equipment donated by a charity set up in memory of a much-loved Colwyn Bay health visitor and midwife.
The Sue Moreton Foundation’s donation of tablet computers will enable specialist perinatal mental health staff to use an innovative therapy to help new mums overcome mental health problems and forge a better bond with their baby.
Sue Moreton, who worked in North Wales nursing, childcare and health visiting services for more than 44 years, died in January 2016, following a short illness.
Her family and friends established the Sue Moreton Foundation in her memory to raise funds to support people and projects focusing on childcare, midwifery and health visiting across the region.
Since being established, the charity has raised over £12,000, which has helped fund advanced breastfeeding training for midwives and health visitors, bedside cots to enable mums to stay close to their baby during their time in hospital, and support for bereaved parents.
The charity’s latest donation will benefit BCUHB’s Perinatal Mental Health Service, which supports women who develop mental health problems during pregnancy or after giving birth.
It will enable the team’s specialist staff to use a psychological therapy called Video Interactive Guidance to help new mums develop a secure attachment with their baby. The therapy involves the filming of new mums interacting with their baby, before a microanalysis of the video footage is used to devise recommendations on how they can improve the bond.
The innovative therapy is particularly effective for women who are suffering from depression, anxiety and low confidence.
Sue Moreton Foundation Trustee Pat Smailes, who works as a Community Midwife in Colwyn Bay, was close friends with Sue, having worked with her for more than 45 years.
