More mental health help needed for new mums
New report released today by the NSPCC highlights 'worrying gaps' in mental health services for pregnant women.
Mental health charity Mind today responds to a new report from the NSPCC about perinatal mental health as part of their All Babies Count campaign.
Mind’s Head of Policy & Campaigns Vicki Nash said:
"This new report from the NSPCC highlights the shocking lack of provision of mental health services in some parts of the country for pregnant women and new mums. It is unacceptable that in some areas women are struggling to get the support that they need. All the evidence suggests that seeking help early can make a huge difference so it’s really important that when women reach out for help that they are not left wanting.
Midwives have an important role to play in educating and supporting new parents about mental health. Having continuity and consistency of care from midwives is a really good way to improve communication and build up trust. Access to talking treatments for pregnant women and new mothers must be improved, and Mind is campaigning for these to be made available to anyone with a mental health problem within 28 days of referral.
Living with a mental health problem does not mean that you cannot be a good and loving parent. There is so much stigma and misunderstanding around perinatal mental health which means women can be frightened about seeking support for fear they will be thought of as a ‘bad mother’.
It’s important that all new mums and mums to be know that they do not have to struggle on their own with mental health problems or suffer in silence."