NATALIE Wiseman was like many mothers-to-be expecting their first child.

By her own admission she “blossomed” during pregnancy and was really excited to be bringing a new baby into the world.

But when daughter Padmé-Jayne was born in November 2010 all those feelings of hope and expectation changed.

“It was like a car crash,” she said. “That’s the only way I can describe it. I had this beautiful little girl and yet I just didn’t feel right.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me, I just couldn’t connect with my daughter. People kept telling me it was just the baby blues and that I’d soon snap out of it but I knew something was wrong, I was beginning to resent her.”

Natalie approached her health visitor who advised she talk to her doctor about the situation. He diagnosed she was suffering from post natal depression.

“My pregnancy had been one of my best experiences ever,” said Natalie of Bevington Close, Burnley.

“But due to the depression I felt as though my child had taken my life away.”

Post natal depression is a medical condition which affects around one-in-10 mums and can be treated.

Natalie was prescribed drugs to deal with it and now, with Padmé -Jayne 16 months old, she is revelling in her young daughter.

“She’s brilliant,” said Natalie.

“Just to see her smile is magical. She’s now starting to walk and say things and I just love her more every day.”

But it was not always so.

“Post natal depression just creeps up on you,” said Natalie.

“Although I knew I didn’t feel right I did wonder if that was normal for a new mum. It was really friends and my partner Barry, who has been brilliant throughout, who convinced me to seek help.”

Earlier this year, Natalie set up the East Lancs Post Natal Support group on Facebook to try and share her experience.

“I just felt that there needs to be more support for mums feeling like I did,” said Natalie. “The medical services are really good but sometimes you just want someone to talk to and to share your experiences with.”

Since setting up the site, members have joined, not just from East Lancashire, but from all over the world.

“We’ve got some mums from American who’ve joined,” said Natalie, “which just shows that people are looking for support and it really does help. You feel as though you are on your own and almost as though it’s wrong to talk about the problems you might be having.

“Our group allows people to see what mums have experienced first hand.”

Natalie, who is currently studying for a psychology degree through the Open University, has been in touch with the national charity Depression Alliance to look at the possibility of setting up regular meetings of the support group in the Burnley area.

“There is lots of information out there but no real support groups to help mums,” said Natalie.