Maternal Mental Health Week

As a new mum, it can be vital to talk and share your experiences with those in the same situation as you. 

No new mother should have to suffer in silence if they are struggling with their mental health.

To mark Maternal Mental Health Week, I would like to share some brilliant charities and support services available for women and birthing people: 

Family Action offers specialist support services for parents with mental health difficulties. This includes services during pregnancy and after birth. Further information on Perinatal Support Services Family Lives can be found here. 

The Association for Postnatal Illness offers information and support for those experiencing postnatal depression. The APNI are available between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday on 0207 386 0868. Alternatively, an online chat box on the bottom left of their website can be found here. 

Family Lives offers confidential support, information and advice for parents. Support is available via email [email protected] or via there helpline on 0808 800 2222. 

PaNDAS - Postnatal Awareness and Support is a community organisation offering peer-to-peer support. PaNDAS has a free helpline, open 7 days a week, 11am to 10pm on 0808 1961 776. Alternatively, they can be contacted via email on [email protected] and a trained volunteer will aim to get back to you within 72 hours. 

If you are at crisis point, the Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 116 123.