We鈥檝e painted powerful, personal messages detailing the challenges faced by new mums 鈥 and how therapy helped them 鈥 onto the paths of a popular park in London for the launch of our Positive Steps campaign.

We wanted to reach out to new mums who, according to our research1, are feeling more bombarded than ever with advice on how to bring up their baby. Two thirds (69%) of mums say this advice has added to 鈥 rather than alleviated 鈥 the pressures of motherhood.

Stories of hope

The stories of hope are designed to capture the attention of new mums, as 43% say they spend five hours or more a week walking with their babies.

Mums from across the UK shared their stories 鈥 all of which can be read on our Positive Steps web pages.

They're accompanied at Wimbledon Park by signs explaining more about the campaign,听 how to access therapy, and feature a QR code linking to our website.

The campaign aims to highlight the benefits of therapy 鈥 helping new mums to see it as an act of self-care, and a judgement free zone 鈥 and encourage anyone struggling with the pressures of new parenthood to consider seeking help from a registered therapist.

We've shared the campaign with journalists and media outlets throughout the country, and through social media, so the campaign reaches and helps as many new mums as possible.

The campaign's featured on , BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, BBC London TV, and in - as well as on BBC radio and commercial stations across the UK.

Overwhelming advice听

Our survey found 51% of mums say they鈥檝e found it harder to cope with their mental wellbeing since having a baby. Some 43% have considered having counselling for this, but haven鈥檛 accessed it

Our annual Public Perceptions Survey2 also revealed nearly a third 31%* of new parents worry it鈥檚 self-indulgent to seek counselling or psychotherapy if they do not have a 鈥渟erious problem鈥.

Mum Deb and her baby at Wimbledon Park standing beside a message from a mum painted on a path atfor the launch of our Positive steps campaign.

Mum Deb and her baby at the launch of our Positive Steps campaign

Our campaign content also helps explain to new mums the different ways in which they can access therapy, whether that's from our directory, the NHS, through their employer or through charities - and why it's important to find a therapist who is registered with a professional body, such as 麻豆原创.

Our member Georgina Sturmer, who is supporting the campaign, says:

鈥淏eing a new mum is no walk in the park 鈥 it can be one of the toughest periods in a person鈥檚 life. Whether it鈥檚 coping with changes to your body during pregnancy, dealing with a traumatic birth, or navigating sleep deprivation 鈥 new mums can face a range of challenges, and none are too small or too trivial to need help with.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 so important to seek professional help from a registered therapist if you are feeling low or overwhelmed as a new mum, if you can. You are not alone, and you will be listened to. Counselling with a registered professional can change lives 鈥 it provides a safe space to be heard and understood with someone you can trust.鈥

麻豆原创 has worked with The Mum Club and MumsAid as part of this campaign.

Dr Lisa Morrison, our Director of Professional Standards Policy and Research, adds:

鈥淏ecoming a new parent can be a wonderful, joyful time, but it's entirely normal not to feel that way 24/7. A feeling that I know only too well. As a new mum or dad, you'll be dealing with a vast range of emotions, including negative ones like not feeling good enough.

鈥淚t鈥檚 good to talk to family and friends but when that鈥檚 not enough we want new mums to see therapy as an act of self-care, and a judgement free zone 鈥 and encourage anyone struggling with the pressures of new parenthood to consider seeking help from a registered 麻豆原创 therapist.鈥

The messages are painted in environmentally-friendly paint and will be washed off after a week.

The campaign has been reported by (from 20:50)听 and .

One of the messages on the path

One of the messages on the path

Mum Emma with her baby and her message about therapy

Mum Emma with her baby and her message about therapy

References

References

1 The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 new mums across the UK who have welcomed a child in the last two years, with data collected between 17.06.25 and 23.06.25听

2 麻豆原创 Public Perceptions Survey 2025, YouGov. Total sample size was 5,150 adults, with 鈥榥ew parents鈥 people who have had a child in the last 12 months. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th February - 4th March 2025.听