Perinatal Mental Health Services Available Across NI

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged expectant mothers in need of support to avail of five new specialist perinatal mental health care teams now operating across NI.

Five Community Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Teams are in place across Health and Social Care Trusts, with the aim of providing an holistic assessment and treatment plan carried out by a multidisciplinary specialist team.

Deirdre Webb, Assistant Director for Public Health Nursing for Children and Young People at the PHA, said: "Perinatal mental health teams are actively accepting referrals from GPs, midwives, health visitors and other mental health teams.

"The teams offer assessment and treatment for women with moderate to severe mental health issues from 12 weeks gestation and up to one year following the birth."

While perinatal mental health is an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions and illnesses, depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions reported. Around 10-20% of women will experience perinatal metal health struggles.

The HSC Trusts' new perinatal specialist teams are made up of nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, health visitors, psychologists, midwives, and psychotherapists.

"Bringing a new baby into the world is big life event and usually a very happy one, however this is not the case for everyone," Deirdre continued.

"We know that it can be a time when women's mental health can be affected and the specialist teams are there to support them.

"If you are struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or after the birth of your baby, please remember that help is available.

"Speak to your GP, health visitor, midwife, or a mental health professional already involved in your care so that you can get the appropriate help at the earliest opportunity."

Alison Doherty, Lead Nurse Co-ordinator at the Western Trust, said the service had already been received well.

"We have seen first-hand the positive impact that this service has had on patient experience and clinical outcomes for mothers, babies and their families," she said.

"Feedback that we have received about this service has been overwhelmingly positive."