What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. Perinatal mental illness affects up to 20% of new and expectant mums and covers a wide range of conditions.

Having a baby is a big life event. It's natural to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth. But if any difficult feelings start to have a big effect on your day-to-day life, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem. 

This maybe a new mental health problem, or an episode of a problem you've experienced in the past.

NCT Support Walks

NCT is an organisation whose mission is to “support parents through the first 1,000 days, to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood”. They do this through 3 main avenues of Sharing knowledge, creating networks and harnessing voices.

View their website here.

They run lovely local walks for parents and toddlers which is open to everyone. All these events are volunteer run and are free (parking charges at venues may apply and donations are most welcome - you can donate when you book).

Advance booking is essential. Please use links below to reserve spaces (if your desired event fills up, do check on the day as cancellations happen and spaces open up).

View their Facebook group here to keep up to date with local activities.

By Your Side

By Your Side was launched with Coventry and Warwickshire Perinatal Mental Health Team with an aim to support families who have accessed the service with emotional difficulties during pregnancy or in the year following the birth of their child, through the addition of a peer support service as well as breaking down the stigma and barriers that prevent people seeking the help and support they need.

Sue Drewitt, Perinatal Service Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “This is just a wonderful opportunity for women who have been, or are being seen by the Perinatal service to come together with their children. It’s a group where there is no stigma and women can just be themselves and if they choose, share how they feel whilst being at the ‘stay and play’. It’s a safe, friendly environment where everyone has fun and enjoys each other’s company”.

View their Facebook page here to keep up to date with any local events and updates.

Mind

Springfield Mind is our local branch of the charity Mind. They offer general mental health support via helplines, local branches and an online community.

They also have a great page on postnatal depression and perinatal mental health, which encompasses support, causes, partners, self care and more. To view this click here.

If you feel you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to your GP. You can book an appointment with one of our GPs by calling 01926 810939, or by booking online through your patient access or NHS app.