I am Amanda and I am a midwife, a parent and a member of the Me and Ma team. I wanted to share with you how midwives can support your mental health, and how it can be helpful to use an interpreter to talk about these issues.
Pregnancy can bring many emotions—joy, excitement, but also worry and sadness. For women who are refugees or seeking asylum, these feelings can be even stronger. You may be far from home, separated from loved ones, and facing many uncertainties. You do not have to carry these feelings alone.
Midwives are here to care for your health, your baby’s health, and also your emotional wellbeing. Many women experience changes in their mood during pregnancy. You might feel anxious, find it hard to sleep, feel very low in mood, or struggle to enjoy things. These are common experiences, and your midwife will not judge you. Instead, she can support you and connect you with extra help if you need it.
Sometimes, talking about mental health can feel difficult, especially if English is not your first language. You may worry that you cannot explain your feelings properly, or that people will not understand. This is why interpreters are available to all women.
How interpreters can help
An interpreter can make sure that you and your midwife understand each other clearly. Interpreters are trained professionals. They do not share what you say with anyone else outside of that appointment. This means it is safe to speak openly. Using an interpreter does not affect your asylum claim or your care. Their role is only to support communication so that you can speak clearly with the midwife.
You can speak to an interpreter face-to-face, or through the telephone if one is not available in person. Many women prefer interpreters by phone, because it can feel less intimidating and more private. Others prefer meeting in person with the interpreter and midwife. Both are safe and private.
How to ask for an interpreter
If you do not understand your midwife, or if you are worried about explaining your feelings in English, it is okay to ask for an interpreter. You can simply say “I need an interpreter, please.” Or you can tell your midwife what language you feel most comfortable using to speak about your mental wellbeing.
It is your right to have an interpreter. Do not worry about asking—it is part of your care and you will not have to pay for this service.
Why it is safe to share your feelings
Many women feel unsure about speaking about their mental health. You might think, “Other women are stronger than me,” or “If I talk about this, people will think badly of me.” Please know, needing support with your emotions is just as normal as needing help with your physical health. Talking to your midwife does not mean you are weak, it means you are taking care of yourself and your baby.
Your midwife will listen with kindness. She may suggest simple things to help you feel better, or she may connect you with specialist services that understand the needs of pregnant women who are refugees or seeking asylum. Everything you say will be treated with respect.
You deserve support
Pregnancy is a time when you should feel safe and cared for. If you are struggling with your feelings, please remember you are not alone. Many women feel the same way, and help is available. Your midwife, with the support of an interpreter if you need one, can support you to get help with those feelings.
Asking for help is one of the best ways to protect both your health and your baby’s health.