The WAAS have created a new piece of collective artwork about reproductive histories, with our Baby Makers groups, for Stroud’s Museum in the Park. Some of the stories were shared on BBC Radio Gloucestershire on the Anna King show. The collective Bunting artwork is now part of the Museum collection.
About the Baby Makers
Focusing on the positive effect that making and crafting has on mental health and wellbeing, the sessions create an intimate space where birthing women and those who support them, can come together to make something and form a mutually supportive community.
This combats isolation and loneliness that is often experienced by vulnerable mothers. It also provides midwives with time for their own wellbeing.
Parental mental health issues around the time of childbirth are known to have continuing impacts on children into adulthood, which has implications for everyone.
“Pregnancy and the post partum are times of increased vulnerability for the onset or relapse of a mental illness (Smith et al., 2011). Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the post partum (Alipour et al., 2012) and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879174/#bib138
It has been an absolute pleasure taking part in such a lovely group on my maternity leave… I have learnt a new skill from scratch (crochet) with the support of a very patient teacher. I am thrilled to have learnt something new which I can carry forward with me for years to come. I’m finding crocheting in the evening after taking care of a baby and a toddler l day very relaxing!
Anon, Participant in 2022
I really enjoyed scheduling some time to try to be creative with my new baby. It was wonderful to be around other new mums and to share thoughts and feelings. I’m naturally introverted so struggle to start conversation with people I don’t know, but being in the group made me feel more comfortable as we were all in the same boat.
Anon, Participant in 2022