Perinatal mental health
It is very common for parents to have challenges with their mental health especially during pregnancy and for up to 2 years afterwards. This period of time is what is known as perinatal. 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 8 dads experience some type of anxiety or depression during this time. You're not alone!
It's important to remember that seeking help and advice is a positive and brave step. That's why we've put together a guide to services that can support your mental health when you need it. We're here to help you every step of the way.
You may want to watch the video below which highlights why it's important to ask for help and what will happen when you do.
Getting advice
GP's can provide general health advice, medication when appropriate, and referrals for specialist treatment when needed. If you become pregnant while taking medication, don’t stop suddenly—talk to your GP for guidance and a review of your treatment.
Health Visitors are trained nurses or midwives, who work with families with children aged 0 to 5. They can offer brief interventions, guidance, and referrals to other services that may help.
Bradford Midwives or Airedale midwives will provide care throughout your pregnancy, labour, and the first few weeks after baby is born. They offer support for parents experiencing mental health concerns and make referrals for specialist care. Parenting education classes and birth debrief sessions can also help support parents' well-being.
Family Hubs bring together a variety of services, making it easier to access support in one place. From parenting advice, free activities, or a key worker to support you.
Maternity Circles groups are welcoming, drop-in sessions for expectant parents and new parents with babies up to age 2. These sessions provide a chance to connect with other parents and meet professionals who can offer advice and guidance from different services.
NSPCC Pregnancy in Mind is a programme that supports parents-to-be who may be at risk of, or are currently experiencing, mild to moderate anxiety or depression during pregnancy. It’s delivered by professionals as an antenatal group. Parents can attend between 12 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Getting help
- Health visitor emotional well-being visits can help you feel supported and provide practical ways to promote the health and happiness of your family.
- Family Action Perinatal Support Service support for mums-to-be and parents of babies under 2. You’ll be paired with a trained 'peer supporter'—someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer emotional support and guidance to help you connect with services in your local community.
- Dad Matters will support dads and male carers during pregnancy and up to the child being aged 2. They support with attachment and bonding, mental health support and signposting other services.
- MESCH (Maternal Early Sustained Childhood Home Visiting) Some families may need extra, long-term support to ensure both parents and children have the best possible start.
- Baby Steps programme helps expectant parents prepare for both the emotional and physical changes that come with parenthood.
Getting extra support
Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service for mothers and other birthing parents at the highest risk of, or currently experiencing, severe mental illness during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth.
A dedicated multidisciplinary team offers tailored interventions to help not only the the mother/other birthing parent but also the baby, the parent-infant bond, and the wider family. You can also find helpful resources on their website, and practitioners can access training and consultations to improve the support available to families.
Paths Psychological Therapy and Midwifery Service supports those that have experienced loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or termination and have moderate to severe mental health challenges. This can include PTSD from birth complications or neonatal crises, as well as tokophobia (fear of childbirth) and removal of a child at birth.
This service provides psychological therapies to help navigate grief, trauma, and anxiety. For those facing high-risk mental health challenges or needing additional support from multiple specialists, a referral to the Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health service is recommended.
Urgent Support
>🚨 If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 right away.
If you are experiencing something which makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you should contact First Response by calling 0800 9521181.
This service is available 24/7 to support people across the Bradford district who are experiencing a mental health crisis. When needed, face-to-face assessments can be arranged within 4 hours after an initial telephone conversation. The team can show you ways to help take care of yourself, provide therapy, connect you with other services, and give advice to find the right support. This could include:
- Intensive Home Treatment - For those at risk of needing hospital care due to their mental health, this team provides frequent, hands-on support to help manage their condition at home, avoiding unnecessary inpatient admissions whenever possible.
- Mother and Baby Unit - This specialist unit supports new mothers who need hospital care for significant mental health concerns in the first year after childbirth. Admission can be planned from 36 weeks of pregnancy, ensuring the right care is available at the right time. If a father has parental responsibility, their consent is required for admission.
- Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Ward -These hospital wards provide specialist care for those facing severe mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the treatment and support needed to begin recovery.
-
Getting advice
Getting advice
Go back- GP's can provide general health advice, medication when appropriate, and referrals for specialist treatment when needed. If you become pregnant while taking medication, don’t stop suddenly—talk to your GP for guidance and a review of your treatment.
- Health Visitors are trained nurses or midwives, who work with families with children aged 0 to 5. They can offer brief interventions, guidance, and referrals to other services that may help.
- Bradford midwives or Airedale midwives will provide care throughout your pregnancy, labour, and the first few weeks after baby is born. They offer support for parents experiencing mental health concerns and make referrals for specialist care. Parenting education classes and birth debrief sessions can also help support parents' well-being.
- Family Hubs bring together a variety of services, making it easier to access support in one place. From parenting advice, free activities, or a key worker to support you.
- Maternity Circles groups are welcoming, drop-in sessions for expectant parents and new parents with babies up to age 2. These sessions provide a chance to connect with other parents and meet professionals who can offer advice and guidance from different services.
- NSPCC Pregnancy in Mind is a programme that supports parents-to-be who may be at risk of, or are currently experiencing, mild to moderate anxiety or depression during pregnancy. It’s delivered by professionals as an antenatal group. Parents can attend between 12 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Available in Craven.
-
Getting help
Getting help
Go back- Health visitor emotional well-being visits can help you feel supported and provide practical ways to promote the health and happiness of your family.
- Family Action Perinatal Support Service support for mums-to-be and parents of babies under 2. You’ll be paired with a trained 'peer supporter'—someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer emotional support and guidance to help you connect with services in your local community.
- Dad Matters will support dads and male carers during pregnancy and up to the child being aged 2. They support with attachment and bonding, mental health support and signposting other services.
- MESCH (Maternal Early Sustained Childhood Home Visiting) Some families may need extra, long-term support to ensure both parents and children have the best possible start.
- Baby Steps programme helps expectant parents prepare for both the emotional and physical changes that come with parenthood.
-
Getting extra support
Getting extra support
Go backSpecialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service for mothers and other birthing parents at the highest risk of, or currently experiencing, severe mental illness during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth.
A dedicated multidisciplinary team offers tailored interventions to help not only the the mother/other birthing parent but also the baby, the parent-infant bond, and the wider family. You can also find helpful resources on their website, and practitioners can access training and consultations to improve the support available to families.
Paths Psychological Therapy and Midwifery Service supports those that have experienced loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or termination and have moderate to severe mental health challenges. This can include PTSD from birth complications or neonatal crises, as well as tokophobia (fear of childbirth) and removal of a child at birth.
This service provides psychological therapies to help navigate grief, trauma, and anxiety. For those facing high-risk mental health challenges or needing additional support from multiple specialists, a referral to the Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health service is recommended.
-
Urgent Support
Urgent Support
Go back>🚨 If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 right away.
If you are experiencing something which makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you should contact First Response by calling 0800 9521181.
- Intensive Home Treatment - For those at risk of needing hospital care due to their mental health, this team provides frequent, hands-on support to help manage their condition at home, avoiding unnecessary inpatient admissions whenever possible.
- Mother and Baby Unit - This specialist unit supports new mothers who need hospital care for significant mental health concerns in the first year after childbirth. Admission can be planned from 36 weeks of pregnancy, ensuring the right care is available at the right time. If a father has parental responsibility, their consent is required for admission.
- Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Ward -These hospital wards provide specialist care for those facing severe mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the treatment and support needed to begin recovery.