HOW TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED

Here’s how our experts suggest you advocate for the support you need – in pregnancy and beyond

CHECK UP

- Your midwife, GP and health visitor should all be asking you about your mental wellbeing at every appointment and recording in your notes. If you see a different midwife each time, check they’re aware of the issues you’ve raised before. You should be offered a six to eight-week check after your baby’s been born, in which you should be asked about how you’re feeling mentally. If you haven’t been offered one, you can request an appointment.

REACH OUT

- There are some brilliant communityled groups and charities that can provide support, be that directing you to services, connecting you with other mums or offering counselling. Ask your GP or health visitor about local organisations and search online for groups in your area. Your GP can refer you to free psychological therapies on the NHS and you can also self-refer in some areas.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

- To ensure you’re treated quickly, it helps to know the signs to look out for. You’ll find resources from specialists for different maternal mental health conditions via the following charities: Action on Postpartum Psychosis (app-network.org), PND Awareness & Support (pandasfoundation.org.uk), Maternal OCD (maternalocd.org), Perinatal Anxiety & Worry Support (openpaws.co.uk).