I became an Area Co-ordinator

I’d been told I couldn’t have kids so when I did conceive, I was thrilled. I gave birth to a son, Charlie. I began to find it a struggle. Health visitors seemed to tell me that everything I was doing was wrong. It made me feel worse. Eight weeks later I discovered I was pregnant again. I was lonely and isolated and needed someone to talk to. I only had one friend with children so I had nowhere to turn. As my pregnancy progressed, I became more miserable.

In time I gave birth to another son, Alfie, and I found it hard looking after two babies. Sometimes I felt a failure and that I was making mistakes all the time. I thought I was a bad mother. Eventually I was diagnosed with mild postnatal depression. Then I read about Chums4mums in Take a Break and thought it was such a good idea.

I sent out an e-mail to all the mothers in my area and received many replies. I was so keen on the scheme that I decided to become an Area Co-ordinator. So far I have arranged three meetings. One was at a centre for parents and children called 360 Degrees, in Milton Keynes. There’s also been an evening out at a restaurant, and we’re having another get-together shortly.

Thanks to Chums4mums I’ve made an extremely good friend and we have helped each other through some difficult times. Many of my older friends who I’ve told about the network have said: ‘I wish there had been something like that for me.’

When I had my children I felt I didn’t know what I was doing. I know how important it is to have other people’s perspective. That’s what Chums4mums has given me. It’s an amazing idea.

From Janine Hampton, 27, of Milton Keynes, Bucks