I didn’t create a maternal mental health planner alone.
This planner exists because I was helped - and because the organisation that helped me chose to help shape it too.
In 2021, after the birth of my second child, I experienced postpartum psychosis. It arrived suddenly, escalated quickly, and became a medical emergency. Recovery was slow, frightening at times, and completely life-altering.
During that period, Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) supported me when I didn’t believe I would ever feel well again. They provided information, understanding, and connection at a time when everything felt unstable.
I am here because of specialist care - and because of APP.
This planner was created together
When I began thinking about creating a maternal mental health planner, it was important to me that it wasn’t based on assumptions, trends, or surface-level wellness language.
APP were involved from the very beginning.
They:
- reviewed and proofread the content
- suggested ideas and language changes
- helped shape prompts to ensure they were supportive and safe
- ensured the tone remained compassionate, accurate, and responsible
The interior of this planner is the result of lived experience combined with specialist knowledge. It was important to me that nothing inside it minimised the seriousness of maternal mental illness - or overwhelmed someone who might be struggling.
Why most planners don’t work when your mental health is fragile
Many planners for new mothers are well-intentioned, but they often assume a level of emotional stability, energy, and clarity that simply isn’t always there.
They focus on:
- routines and productivity
- tracking progress
- baby milestones
- staying consistent
When your mental health is fragile, even gentle expectations can feel like pressure.
What I needed - and what we worked to create - was something quieter. Something that didn’t ask me to improve, achieve, or document happiness. Something that allowed me to simply notice how I was doing, without judgement.
What this maternal mental health planner is designed to do
This is not a productivity planner. It is not a cure. And it is not a replacement for professional care.
It is designed to:
- offer gentle, repeatable check-ins
- support awareness without forcing reflection
- encourage rest, regulation, and self-compassion
- feel safe to return to - or step away from - at any time
Pages repeat by design. Familiar prompts come back again and again, creating a sense of steadiness rather than progress. Some pages may be filled. Others may be acknowledged and left blank. All of that is valid.
Why all profits go to Action on Postpartum Psychosis
From the outset, it was important that this planner give back to the organisation that helped make my recovery possible.
All profits from this planner are donated directly to Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) .
APP is the UK charity dedicated to supporting women and families affected by postpartum psychosis - a severe but treatable mental illness that affects around 1–2 in every 1,000 births. Their work includes peer support, information, advocacy, and campaigning for better perinatal mental health care.
This planner is my thank you - and a way to support the next mother who might need them.
Who this planner is for
This planner may be helpful if you:
- are pregnant or a new mother navigating mental health challenges
- are recovering from a perinatal mental illness
- want a gentle, low-pressure space that does not demand productivity
- need permission to slow down rather than push through
If you are looking for a traditional planner or goal-setting system, this may not be the right fit - and that’s okay.
A gentle but important note
This planner is not a medical tool and is not a replacement for professional mental health care. If you are experiencing severe distress, intrusive thoughts, or feel unsafe, please seek urgent support from your GP, midwife, mental health team, or emergency services.
Support and information are available via Action on Postpartum Psychosis and the NHS.
The planner
You can view the Maternal Mental Health Planner here:
https://www.daydotjournals.com/products/maternal-mental-health-planner
It was created with care, collaboration, and lived experience - not to fix anything, but to offer a steady place to land.
Sometimes, that is enough.
