Diya
This is a composite story which means it combines details from several real-life events, people, or situations into a single story or case study.
Diya was expecting her first baby when concerns about her mental health and emotional wellbeing were identified during routine antenatal appointments with her midwife. Diya had a long history of depression and anxiety and had previously experienced periods of low mood, social withdrawal and, during times of crisis, suicidal thoughts. Her midwife was concerned about how she might cope with the challenges of becoming a first-time parent, and the family was referred to Children's Social Care.
Diya and her husband, Jay, were committed to creating a loving and nurturing home for their baby. However, the pressures of preparing for parenthood had affected communication between them and left them both feeling overwhelmed at times. Although both of their families lived nearby and cared deeply for them, they had limited understanding of the extent of Diya's previous mental health difficulties and the additional pressures that becoming a parent might bring.
Children's Social Care suggested that a Family Group Conference (FGC) could help Diya and Jay bring their wider family network together to discuss concerns openly and explore what practical and emotional support could be provided. The aim was to strengthen the family's support network, safeguard Diya's wellbeing, and ensure both parents felt supported as they prepared for the arrival of their baby.
The Family Group Conference Coordinator spent time meeting individually with family members and close friends before the conference. These conversations helped everyone understand the purpose of the meeting, share any concerns, and consider how they might contribute to supporting the family.
During the conference, Diya was able to talk openly about her mental health, explaining how anxiety and depression could affect her confidence, energy levels, and ability to cope when feeling under pressure. For some family members, particularly her grandparents, it was the first time they had heard Diya speak so openly about her experiences.
During private family time, the family worked together to develop a detailed support plan focused on the wellbeing of both Diya and her baby. Together, they agreed to:
Carry out regular wellbeing check-ins with Diya before and after the birth.
Maintain daily contact during the first few weeks after the baby arrived.
Provide practical support with household tasks, shopping, meal preparation, and transport to appointments.
Offer childcare support to give both parents opportunities to rest and prioritise self-care.
Create a WhatsApp group to coordinate support, maintain communication, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Develop a shared understanding of the signs that Diya might be struggling with her mental health.
Agree clear plans for when and how professional services should be contacted if concerns arose about Diya's wellbeing.
The family also recognised that becoming first-time parents would be a significant adjustment for both Diya and Jay. They agreed to support Jay as well, acknowledging the important role he would play in caring for both his wife and their baby.
The conference strengthened communication across the family network and helped relatives develop a greater understanding of Diya's mental health needs. By having these conversations early and creating a clear support plan, Diya and Jay were able to approach the remainder of the pregnancy with greater confidence, knowing they had a strong network of practical and emotional support around them both before and after the birth of their first child.