Perinatal Mental Health Support

Having a baby is a life-changing event, and the experience is different for everyone. Many things can influence how you feel during pregnancy, childbirth and the months that follow — and if you are finding it hard, please know that help is available and recovery is absolutely possible.

What is perinatal mental health?

The perinatal period covers pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. Every year, around 20% of women will develop mental health problems during this time, including depression, anxiety, PTSD and psychosis.



Struggling during this period is common, and it is never a reflection of how much you love your baby. These are treatable health conditions, not personal failings.

What are the signs of postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental health condition affecting many new parents — particularly mothers, though as many as 1 in 10 fathers will develop PND after the birth of their child. It can include:

• Feeling persistently low or hopeless
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling apathetic
• In some cases, having thoughts of suicide

Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK within a year of childbirth. That is why speaking up early matters so much — and why we want every new parent to know that support is out there, treatment works, and things can get better.

Where can I find postnatal depression support?

These charities and organisations may be able to help if you need support:

• Mind — shares information on the mental health problems new parents can experience, the treatments that can help, and the services that offer support.
• PANDAS — offers a variety of support services for families and their networks who may be experiencing perinatal illness, including prenatal and postnatal depression.
• Tommy's — provides support, advice and information on pregnancy and baby loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and termination for medical reasons. Call free on 0800 014 7800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Best Start in Life — a single place for children, young people and families to find support and information from a variety of local services.
• Grassroots Suicide Prevention — has a Women's Suicide Prevention Hub with resources specifically for the perinatal period.

Your GP, midwife or health visitor can also help — midwives and health visitors have these conversations every day, and they will have supported many parents through exactly what you are feeling.

What if I'm worried about a new parent?

If your partner, friend or family member seems persistently low, withdrawn or not themselves after having a baby, gently ask how they are really doing — and keep asking. Our I'm Worried About Someone page has practical guidance on starting the conversation.

You are not alone

Whatever you are feeling right now, you deserve help — and with the right support, parents do recover. Contact The Jordan Legacy at hello@thejordanlegacy.com, and if things feel too heavy today, please visit I Need Help Now