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Emotional wellbeing and mental health Padlet

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Emotional wellbeing and mental health Padlet

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This resource padlet has been put together by a team of MNVP Volunteers.
It is aimed at parents/to-be but may also be of use to midwives, maternity healthcare workers, birth workers and anyone else working within maternity services or Early Years settings.
Contact:  chaya.tagore@nhs.net

​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be:

current

accurate

secure

complete

free from bugs or viruses

As an MNVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets. We are unable to endorse the information held on third party websites, it is for information only.

www.bswmaternityvoices.org.uk

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Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be:

As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets. We are unable to endorse the information held on third party websites, it is for information only.

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Resources - Bath North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be: As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets.

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MNVP Emotional Wellbeing and Mental health padlet poster with QR code

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MNVP Emotional Wellbeing and Mental health padlet poster with QR code

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Please print, laminate and display where you can so that more parents are aware of the support that is available.

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Padlet_Posters_MentalHealth QR code July 2025

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Becoming a parent will have an impact on your relationship. This will be both positive and negative at different times of your parenting journey. Sometimes seeing a counsellor either alone or together with your co-parent can help you gain clarity. These services are FREE.

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Counselling is one of the main ways we support people to strengthen their relationships. We offer a range of counselling services, including:

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Pregnancy in mind - Swindon & Surrounding areas

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Pregnancy in mind - Swindon & Surrounding areas

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You can now self-refer to the Ocean Perinatal Mental Health Service or your midwife can refer you.

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Listening to someone with empathy (5 minute video)

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Listening to someone with empathy (5 minute video)

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What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering?

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Tommy's pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan

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Tommy's pregnancy and post-birth wellbeing plan

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A 2-page plan, endorsed by NICE, that helps you start thinking about how you feel emotionally and what support you might need in your pregnancy and after the birth.

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The Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan

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The Wellbeing Plan helps you start thinking about how you feel emotionally and what support you might need in your pregnancy and after the birth.

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How to access birth reflections across BSW.

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BSWMaternityVoicesPartnership (@bsw_mvpp)

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A charity that helps people make positive changes in their lives and improve their mental health using movement, music, mindfulness...

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Our Projects

Working with Mums

Make a Move runs a very successful programme working with mothers with low mood or perinatal depression.

We have moved to online using Zoom.

You are invited to join our interactive, therapeutic sessions with other mothers who have babies and small children and feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious.

Our courses give you space for yourself and chance to share your experience with others in a small group. We use movement, mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques.

We recommend that you can get more from sessions if you are in the group on your own while your child is cared for by someone else.

You will then be able to concentrate fully on yourself to find understanding about your situation and some new personal tools for coping.

Courses will run for 8 weeks. We have spaces in five different options from 24th November 2020.

Tuesday morning 11 am - 12 pm

Wednesday morning 11am - 12 pm

Wednesday afternoon 2 pm - 3 pm

Wednesday evening 8 pm - 9 pm

Thursday morning 11 am - 12 pm

Please note that there will be a break for the holidays between 18th December 2020 to 3 January 2021 inclusive.

To register interest or for more information E-mail us at: makeamove@virgincare.co.uk or call on: 07592 103325

Download our flyer below for full details of our sessions for Mums.

Health Visitors - download our flyer below for full details of our sessions for Mums.

We're sharing this relaxing sleep meditation led by our founder and CEO Michelle Rochester, complete with original music by our composer and music consultant, Brian Madigan. Treat yourself by downloading it below:-

By Michelle x

Benefits

Mums report an improvement in mood, emotional state, relationships, sleep patterns, and energy levels, which in turn give their babies an improved start in life.

Methods

Moving On Up! offers sessions of music, movement and therapeutic talking to help mothers recover from their depression.

Our Sponsors

Who keeps us going?

As a charity, we receive funding from several trusts and foundations:

In one year, we achieved the following from our work with mums:

· 90% of mothers report improved mood, enhanced coping strategies and less isolation

· 95% of mothers report strengthened relationships with their children

· Health visitors and BaNES Children's Group staff report emotional and physical developmental progress in 80% of children

"I am very grateful to Make a Move for supporting me over the past year and particularly during my return to work. They have helped me in so many ways and I have enjoyed my family so much more as a result."
Mum of 2

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Make a Move runs a very successful programme working with mothers with low mood or perinatal depression. We have moved to online using Zoom. You are invited to join our interactive, therapeutic sessions with other mothers who have babies and small children and feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious.

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Part of the NHS Perinatal Emotional Wellbeing Partnership, Open Space run groups for mothers with Postnatal Depression.

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Postnatal Support GroupsBeing a mother can often feel quite daunting. The reality of having a baby doesn’t always fit our expectations. Sometimes motherhood can feel like an emotional rollercoaster and not always that much fun.Sound familiar? You are not alone.I run postnatal groups for mothers who…

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Maternity Emotional Wellbeing Clinic (RUH)

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Maternity Emotional Wellbeing Clinic (RUH)

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New service for pregnant women with a GP in Bath - please ask your community midwife (2025)

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Southside supports individuals and families living in Bath and North East Somerset to make positive changes in their lives. Southside is there for you whether you are grappling with problems such as domestic abuse, substance abuse, mental health difficulties; or problems with finance and debt, housing issues or concerns related to education and employment.

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To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.

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To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.

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Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

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24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

Free

It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

Get involved

Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

Find out more

Get help

Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

Shout texter

GET HELP

Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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Support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.

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Support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.

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Helpline

0808 801 0456

Email: support@sarsas.org.uk

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Our training service is here to support your work and ensure you are meeting the needs of survivors both within your organisation and accessing your organisation.

Our courses are tailored to your organisational needs:

Workplace

Education settings

NHS and Health Settings

For Charities

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Our training service is here to support your work and ensure you are meeting the needs of survivors both within your organisation and accessing your organisation. Our courses are tailored to your organisational needs: Workplace Education settings NHS and Health Settings For Charities

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Freephone support line 0808 175 1369 is open 7 days a week from 9am – 11pm. Help at other times also available.

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Bath Mind run a wide range of mental health services, however not all our services are appropriate for crisis support. View crisis mental health support on our page.

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Singing Mamas  (Bath, Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham & Trowbridge)

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Singing Mamas  (Bath, Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham & Trowbridge)

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Singing Mamas groups are about improving wellbeing through singing. Contact your local leader for further details.

Sophie (Bath) 07813 716 705

Sarah (Melksham) 07761 063 345

Kathryn (Chippenham & Devizes) singingmamas.nwilts@gmail.com

Clara (Trowbridge)

singwithclarity@gmail.com

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(*We try to make sure that all Singing Mamas venues have wheelchair access as standard, but because we work in community settings this isn't always possible. If you or your child(ren) have any mobility or access needs please let us know when you book your taster and we'll do everything we can to accommodate)

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(*We try to make sure that all Singing Mamas venues have wheelchair access as standard, but because we work in community settings this isn't always possible.

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Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:

you need urgent help for your mental health

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you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline

you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency

you're not sure what to do

111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.

A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.

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Where to get urgent help for mental health

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You may need urgent help for mental health for many different reasons. Some people call it a crisis, an emergency or a breakdown. It's important to know that support is available, whatever you're going through.

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Creative therapy, peer support and weekly drop-in sessions for mothers dealing with depression and anxiety…

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Creative therapy, peer support, weekly drop-in and meet-up sessions, for mothers dealing with depression, anxiety, isolation or overwhelm...

Creative Therapy Courses

Our courses offer creative therapy, support and advice in a safe, child-free space for you to work through worries and concerns, while gently creating a piece of art that you can be proud of. Mothers spend time, with other mothers, creating, talking, healing.

Shine Drop-Ins

Informal, welcoming and supportive group sessions in Cirencester, Swindon, Fairford and Dursley - for mothers wanting to reach out and find support from others going through similar feelings of isolation, anxiety, uncertainty or sadness.

""Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.""

- Roy T Bennett

TESTIMONIALS

"Shine saved me. There's no other way to put it. During a time when I could see no happiness in life, cried every time I had to go out in public, cried every day because my new parental world overwhelmed me, and the valiant efforts of various professional councillors seemed to have no effect; Shine was the one thing that made me happy." See the difference that our courses and support have made in the lives of over 400 women.

MEET OUR ARTISTS

Our wonderful community artists come from a range of backgrounds, from textiles and tapestry to poetry and mosaics. They are all women, and many are ex-Shine mothers with lived experiences of depression and anxiety.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

A monthly dose of seasonal and wellbeing inspiration, guidance and support, as well as what's on this month, books and podcasts we love, articles and stories that have moved us, a chance to meet one of our artists, crafts tips and more.

OUR STORIES

""It came like a thief in the night, almost in an instant, stealing my smile, an anxiety so deep it wormed its way into my very soul. I was devoured by postnatal depression and anxiety, and there was nothing I could do to escape it." Postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD come in many forms, and everyone's experience is different. We have shared some of our stories here to show you that you are not alone...

MEET OUR TEAM

We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers, EX-Shine mums, inspiring women and devoted trustees who help make Shine possible every day. Hear about why we're so lucky to be a part of this community.

We are an entirely charitable organisation and the important work that we do is only made possible by the generous donations and grants we receive each year. If you want to support us you can do so by donating whatever you can via the link below, or, if you would like to discuss a more regular donation or a larger sum or funding commitment, we would love to hear from you.

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Our courses offer creative therapy, support and advice in a safe, child-free space for you to work through worries and concerns, while gently creating a piece of art that you can be proud of. Mothers spend time, with other mothers, creating, talking, healing.

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Supportive creative workshops for women with post natal depression.

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An arts-based project for women experiencing perinatal low mood, anxiety or depression in pregnancy or in the first year after birth. For women to have time and space for themselves, gaining skills and coping strategies which may help to promote wellbeing, reduce anxiety and isolation and provide practical and emotional support.

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Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Patient Support & Complaints Team (RUH, Bath) formerly known as PALS

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Patient Support & Complaints Team (RUH, Bath) formerly known as PALS

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You can call 01225 825656 or

email:  ruh-tr.psct@nhs.net

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Local and national support (type in your postcode to find nearest voluntary organisation)

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Local and national support (type in your postcode to find nearest voluntary organisation)

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Hearts & Minds has been set-up by three charities run by people with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges, who understand what it’s like to try and make sense of how you are feeling.

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It can feel overwhelming to reach out for help if you are facing challenges to your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy or after having a baby.

It can be tricky to understand what support is available to you or whether you even need support in the first place. Rest assured that you are not alone in this experience and that help is available.
Hearts & Minds has been set-up by three charities run by people with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges, who understand what it's like to try and make sense of how you are feeling. We've put together some resources to help you navigate the experience as well as where and how to reach out for support.

Perinatal Mental Health

For more information about what perinatal mental health is, as well as explanations about some of the terms and references you might see around our website.

National Services

The focus of this website and the map is on local specialist community groups or organisations in your area who can offer you support. There are however, national organisations, covering the whole country who may be able to help you at this time.

Please note that we are not a crisis service so if you feel like you need urgent help, then get in contact with the following organisations who can support you. The groups identified in the map provide support and wellbeing services to those experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties around the time of pregnancy and after birth.
Please be reminded that they are not crisis services. If you are currently in an emergency and feel you may injure yourself or someone else dial 999. Please click below or useful contacts.

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The Hearts and Minds Partnership is a collective of three perinatal mental health charities: Acacia Family Support (West Midlands), Bluebell Care (South West) and Smile Group (North West). We're not a membership organisation, but a thriving community of grassroots perinatal mental health services committed to sharing learning and creating a coherent voice for our sector.

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Modern slavery: control, exploitation, trafficking or abuse

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Modern slavery: control, exploitation, trafficking or abuse

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You are not alone. Support is available and it's okay to ask.

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A closed Facebook group to discuss, share, explore and support each other on a creative parenting journaling adventure.

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This is a closed, space to discuss, share, explore and support each other on a creative parenting journaling adventure. Enjoy!🐚❤️. Parenting Group

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Email: support@hearttalks.co.uk

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Community Wellbeing Hub- Bath & NE Somerset

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Community Wellbeing Hub- Bath & NE Somerset

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The Community Wellbeing Hub is committed to providing services that support your health and wellbeing needs.

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Find out more about how our local authority, HCRG Care Group and third sector organisations formed a unique partnership to better co-ordinate care delivery, helping thousands of people in our communities throughout the pandemic.

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Find out more about how our local authority, HCRG Care Group and third sector organisations formed a unique partnership to better co-ordinate care delivery, helping thousands of people in our communities throughout the pandemic.

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TRC have support groups that explore issues around the neuroscience of trauma. They are led by experienced, trauma informed practitioners who model empathy, kindness and support and won’t let shame and blame be part of any atmosphere.

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We facilitate the creative and purposeful recovery of children, young people, young adults and parents/ carers who have experienced trauma. We are a highly specialised therapy centre offering 1:1 creative, trauma recovery psychotherapy alongside parent/ carer support groups.

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We facilitate the creative and purposeful recovery of children, young people, young adults and parents/ carers who have experienced trauma. We are a highly specialised therapy centre offering 1:1 creative, trauma recovery psychotherapy alongside parent/ carer support groups.

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PANDAS are there to offer hope, empathy and support for every parent or network affected by perinatal mental illness.

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Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby. It can affect any parent, regardless of whether they've suffered from a mental health condition before. Postnatal depression is linked directly to giving birth and is a common problem, affecting 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth.

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The MASIC Foundation are advocates for women and aim to change the lives of those injured during childbirth.

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Need advice? Please email Birth Injury Support at info@masic.org.uk or call 0808 1640 8333

We are advocates for women and aim to change the lives of those injured during childbirth.

Find out more

Who are MASIC?

MASIC exists to support women, challenge stigma and drive change.

The MASIC Foundation is the only multi-disciplinary UK charity to support women who have suffered severe injuries during childbirth known as OASI (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries).

The charity is run by injured women and healthcare professionals who are committed to better detection and prevention of injury during childbirth.

Find out more

Women's stories

Breaking the silence. Read stories from MASIC advocates who have suffered injuries during childbirth.

Telling women's stories is the most important thing we can do as a charity. When women are brave enough to speak out, change happens. This page is dedicated to telling those stories, and to the women who have been honest and incredibly brave in sharing their experience.

If you have a story to tell we are dedicated to supporting you and making your voice heard.

Please email socialmedia@masic.org.uk and we will help you to tell your story.

Read more stories

Looking for support?

There is support available if you need it, don't suffer in silence and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice.

MASIC can help you over come the physical and emotional trauma you may have experienced during and after child birth. We can support you and guide you to helpful resources, all you need to do is get in touch.

Get Support

Not sure where to start?

Please call the MASIC 24h freephone Birth Injury Support Helpline 0808 1640 8333

My name is Luce. I'm a writer. A partner. A mum. And I had a difficult birth which left me thunderstruck, confused, sad, broken, and well, pretty angry. My reaction to birth trauma was unconventional. I wrote a book - a gory, funny, moving book - about the truth of it for me, what I saw and heard and felt as I gave birth and then coped with injuries, continence issues, depression, and trauma. I needed to speak out because traumatic births are often undiscussed. Recognition is important - we don't talk enough about births that aren't picture-perfect, as if they should be hidden in shame. Like MASIC, I'm here to say it isn't shameful. And don't worry - you have found your people. Like my book this website is a place for all of you - the entertainers, the shell-shocked, new mums and old hands - to share, process, or even just start to think about what is happening, and why googling 'birth trauma' or 'MASIC' late at night is a good thing. You are not alone.

85%

of women with severe birth injury said it impacted on their relationship with their child

78%

were affected by traumatic memories of the birth

52%

stated they were embarrassed by the symptoms of their injury

49%

of women affected said they doubted their ability to mother

45%

suffered postnatal depression as a result of their injury

24%

of women affected regretted having a child because of the injuries sustained

Meet the MASIC team

We are a collection of healthcare professionals & MASIC advocates, existing to give a voice to women's childbirth stories.

The Executive Board

We are led by a small and very experienced Executive team who are dedicated to improving outcomes for women with birth injuries.

Products that will help improve your life

Products that can help make everyday life a bit easier.

After sustaining a birth injury it is so important to know that there are products and services out there that can help make everyday life a little bit easier, and help you to feel a little bit more like YOU again.

We recommend the products here that have been tried and tested by our MASIC advocates - women who understand what it's like to cope with symptoms on a daily basis, and who know what has helped them.

Discover More

MASIC News

Keep up to date with all our latest news and stories

If you would like to be kept informed of MASIC's work and our most recent projects please click on our news items in this section and sign up to our MASIC mailing list.

We would love to hear from you if you are an injured woman or a health professional interested in working with us.

Read more stories

Cookie Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

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Home - Aiming to change the lives of women injured during childbirth.

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MASIC supports women who have suffered injuries during childbirth; OASI, Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries, or 3rd degree & 4th degree tears.

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APNI Provide support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness, increase public awareness of the illness and encourage research into its cause/nature.

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APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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APNI - Association for Post-Natal Illness | Post Natal Depression

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Association for Post-Natal Illness and Post Natal Depression. APNI relies solely on the generosity of the public to fund our charity.

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Birth support for displaced women in Bristol.

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Project MAMA - Maternity Action for Migrants and Asylum-Seekers

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All on Board is a partnership between Network Rail and the NHS

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All on Board is a partnership between Network Rail and the NHS

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Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention

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If you are struggling with your mental health, our recommendation as a place to start is the Hub of Hope.
There are also a number of other services available (listed below).

The Hub of Hope is the UK's leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
Visit Hub of Hope >
You can find the telephone number for the local NHS 'crisis line'. NHS Mental Health urgent helplines support people of all ages. You can call for yourself or someone else. You will be able to speak to a mental health professional.
Find NHS services >
Samaritans is a 24/7 service that provides a listening ear for someone; no matter what the problem.

It is confidential and free.
Call 116-123
Text Shout is a relatively new text service for people who may be experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts.

It is also 24 hours 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Young people can also access this service: Text 'YM' to 85258

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If you are struggling with your mental health, our recommendation as a place to start is the Hub of Hope. There are also a number of other services available (listed below). The Hub of Hope is the UK's leading mental health support database.

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Birth Companions works to improve the lives of women and babies who experience inequality and disadvantage.

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We believe every woman should have safe, compassionate care throughout her pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.

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Alcohol use and misuse - do you want to talk about it?

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Alcohol use and misuse - do you want to talk about it?

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Support is out there. Speak to your GP, your health visitor or contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650

help@aamail.org

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christine Nicole (@sober.as.a.mother)

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NCT discuss the baby blues. Anyone who has given birth can expect to feel down for a little while shortly after having their baby. Here are the symptoms to look out for...

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What are the baby blues?

Not just an old wives' tale, the baby blues are real, affecting up to 80% of women after they give birth (NICE, 2014). Women who experience the baby blues can expect to feel down for a little while shortly after having their baby (NHS, 2018a).

What are the symptoms of the baby blues?

If you're going through the baby blues, you might feel:

Symptoms might upset you at the time, but they are relatively mild and will usually pass within 10 to 14 days after the birth (NHS, 2018b). If they hang around, become more severe or include manic symptoms, they could be signs of more serious postnatal illness, such as postnatal psychosis. If so, you should speak to your GP or health visitor about getting some help and support (NICE, 2014).

If you think it might be something more serious, talk to your GP or health visitor.

What causes the baby blues?

The exact cause of the baby blues is not known, but is probably mostly down to the hormones that fall rapidly after birth (Puryear, 2014; Rezaie-Keikhaie et al, 2020).

Lack of sleep and newborn babies go hand in hand, and this is thought to be another factor for the baby blues (Ross et al, 2005).

There's also the huge weight of responsibility that comes with bringing a human into the world. Much as you love your child, it's ok to admit that when you first get home, having a baby can feel seriously overwhelming (MIND, 2020).

How can I reduce the impact of the baby blues?

The good news is that for most women, the symptoms will pass in a few days. In those early days, you can stay tucked up with your baby as much as possible, and feed them very frequently.

In recent years health professionals have started asking you to go to hospital for routine checks, rather than visiting you at home. Consider whether that meets your need to get to know your baby and recover from the birth, and request a home visit if not.

You could ask your family to pop over and help out around the house or chat to a friend about how you're feeling. On the other hand, if it's all getting a bit too much, you could simply ban the visitors for a few days.

Yet if your symptoms don't ease, become severe or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, speak to your midwife, GP, health visitor or emergency healthcare urgently.
This page was last reviewed in January 2022
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

MIND. (2020) Understanding postnatal depression and perinatal mental health. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/about-maternal-mental-health-problems/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

NHS. (2018a) Overview - postnatal depression. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-natal-depression/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

NHS. (2018b) Feeling depressed after childbirth. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/feeling-depressed-after-birth/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

NICE. (2014) Antenatal and postnatal mental health. Clinical management and service guidance CG192. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg192 [Accessed 14th January 2022].

Puryear LJ. (2014) Postpartum adjustment: what is normal and what is not. In: Barnes DL. (ed) Women's Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Switzerland, Springer: 109-122.

Rezaie-Keikhaie K, Arbabshastan ME, Rafiemanesh H, Amirshahi M, Ostadkelayeh SM, Arbabisarjou A. (2020) Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of the maternity blues in the postpartum period. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 49(2):127-136. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32035973/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

Ross LE, Murray BJ, Steiner M. (2005) Sleep and perinatal mood disorders: a critical review. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 30(4):247-256. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1160560/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

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The baby blues: what to expect | Life as a parent articles & support | NCT

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You've arrived home with your baby and feel overjoyed but then, out of nowhere, all you can do is cry. Welcome to a very common condition... the baby blues.

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International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)

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International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD)

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A lifeline of support, information, and resources for those affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME) From Puberty to Perimenopause.

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A collective of experts who bring together lived experience and extensive professional knowledge of birth trauma and vicarious trauma.

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Birth can be distressing sometimes. So much so, it's traumatising. We want to make birth better. For you, for all.

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A service is provided by midwives to allow women or couples to explore their birth experience and give them the opportunity to clarify events.

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Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

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The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership are the founders of the UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.

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The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership are the founders of the UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week . The next event will take place 2-8 May 2022.

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Relational & Trauma Counselling for new & expectant mothers (BaNES)

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Relational & Trauma Counselling for new & expectant mothers (BaNES)

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A 10-week one-to-one Counselling service for new & expectant mothers affected by their own Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which supports mothers to heal past hurts and develop stronger family relationships. A Bright Start Children’s Centre Service delivered by a trained Psychotherapist and supported trainee Counselling Psychologists.

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Relational & Trauma Counselling for new & expectant mothers

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A 10-week one-to-one Counselling service for new & expectant mothers affected by their own Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which supports mothers to heal past hurts and develop stronger family relationships. A Bright Start Children's Centre Service delivered by a trained Psychotherapist and supported trainee Counselling Psychologists.

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Everyone feels differently 6-8 weeks after they've had a baby. There is no 'rule' about how you should feel. Your health visitor or GP are there to support you.

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Humans of Liverpool on Instagram: "‘6-8 Weeks’ by poet Amy Williams 

@amywilliamswrites_"

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30K likes, 981 comments - humansofliverpool on March 8, 2026: "‘6-8 Weeks’ by poet Amy Williams 

@amywilliamswrites_". 

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A UK-wide charity and network of over 100 organisations, dedicated to ensuring women and families affected by perinatal mental health problems have access to high quality, comprehensive perinatal mental health care.

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The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood has released a new report highlighting the significant economic benefits of investing in early childhood and the adults around them. According to 'Prioritising early childhood for a happier, healthier society', prioritising early childhood development by supporting working parents and caregivers, improving social and emotional skills, and reducing public spending on remedial measures could add at least £45.5 billion to the UK economy annually.

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Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire only:

Support, advice and information from mother's who have suffered and recovered from depression, anxiety or isolation during pregnancy or after the birth...

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Free counselling services for pregnant and postnatal women in Frome.

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We believe that people who are pregnant and new parents deserve support.

We recognise that having a baby brings lots of stresses and strains as well as joy and sometimes women just need space to talk things through. NHS England estimates that one in five women experiences anxiety and low mood during pregnancy and early parenthood,

Funds for a free counselling service (often used by pregnant and postnatal women in the Frome area) were cut in 2016; a small dedicated team of women then came together to create a new bespoke counselling service specifically for women who are pregnant or in the first year of motherhood. By providing a free professional counselling service, we aim to help people overcome feelings of anxiety and depression before they escalate into serious mental illness and also to help women get off to a positive start with their baby, with lifelong positive effects for everyone concerned.

Frome Birth Talk provides the only free, face-to-face counselling service specifically for pregnant and postnatal people in the Frome area.

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Frome Birth Talk is a small charity offering free counselling for anyone who is pregnant or has had (or lost) a baby in the last two years. We also offer drop in groups for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers.

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A wide range of brief psychological support for common mental health problems, as everyone’s needs and preferences are different.

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COVID-19 Update: Please note that we continue to offer appointments via the telephone and the Attend Anywhere video platform throughout this time, please continue to check our website and social media pages for updates.

In addition, while all our face-to-face courses and workshops remain postponed until further notice, we are offering online courses and workshops via Microsoft Teams, please visit either the 'Courses' section of the website or our social media pages for more information. Alternatively, please do feel free to call our admin team on 01380 731 335 for more information.

We offer a wide range of support. from psycho-educational courses to one-to-one intervention, as everyone's needs and preferences are different.

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Wiltshire IAPT | Providing psychological services to the people of Wiltshire

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COVID-19 Update: Please note that we continue to offer appointments via the telephone and the Attend Anywhere video platform throughout this time, please continue to check our website and social media pages for updates.

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A team of qualified and trainee counsellors who offer acceptance, warmth and compassion with what you are dealing with.

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Focus Bath, Oasis Hub, Fountain Buildings, Bath BA1 5DU | 01225 330096 | Focus Wells, The Old Glasshouse, South Street, Wells BA5 1SL 07863 444009

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Emotional and psychological support to anyone – aged over 18 and registered with a Somerset GP – who is feeling anxious or depressed.

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Talking Therapies – Somerset IAPT Service

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Talking Therapies – Somerset IAPT Service - Talking Therapies – Somerset IAPT Service

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Following the demands of the unusual current circumstances around Covid-19, we continue to support all current patients with appointments for treatment by telephone and skype. Online and webinar treatments continue unaffected. Please contact your therapist or the central office on the numbers on l…

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Banes Talking Therapies is an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service which seeks to use the least intrusive method of care possible to treat people.

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BANES Talking Therapies : Psychology in Bath & North East Somerset

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LIFT Psychology offers support through GP surgeries to people with common emotional, communication and mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and stress. Services range from self-help therapies, to psychoeducational courses and one-to-one support.

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Swindon LIFT Psychology Service aims to help people access support for a range of common mental health problems.

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Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

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Skip to main content Skip to accessibility tools

IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and aims to help people access support for a range of common mental health problems. Swindon IAPT is also known as Swindon LIFT Psychology Service, or Swindon LIFT, and provides a service for people registered with a GP in Swindon.

If you live elsewhere in Wiltshire, please visit the Wiltshire IAPT page for details about the service offered throughout the county.

Swindon LIFT offers one-to-one therapy and online or in-person courses in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for common mental health problems.

IAPT services do not provide urgent care. If you need help right now, call AWP's 24-hour urgent response line free on 0800 953 1919.

For someone to talk to, you can also contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123. The Samaritans offers 24-hour telephone emotional support and befriending in complete confidence.

How we can help

Many people can struggle to manage their emotions or feelings and need support to find helpful ways to cope. Our services can help you manage a range of common problems, including:

We use evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Evidence-based means there is proof that the therapies are likely to make you feel better. We can assess what might be affecting you, however we are unable to offer specialist mental health treatment, medication or final diagnosis. You can find helpful information for other conditions via the main search area of the AWP homepage.

The three main types of support we offer are:

self-help resources, for example information leaflets, relaxing audio media, and access to the SilverCloud website to help with difficulties such as stress, low mood, anxiety and some long-term physical health conditions. This is an online CBT programme with secure access from a computer, tablet or mobile phone with a login. You can find a range of useful media and links in our self-help resources section below.

courses and workshops which you can attend in person or online.

one-to-one appointments, assessments and therapy sessions.

Who we offer services to

Swindon IAPT services are available to anyone from the age of 16 years with a registered GP in Swindon.

Our services offer help to people with a range of circumstances and from different backgrounds, including:

Pregnant people and their partners, or those within the first two years of being a parent.

Veterans - if you are, or have been, in the armed forces and have experienced upsetting or traumatic events.

Older people - over the age of 65 who are just as likely to struggle with wellbeing as any other age group, but are less likely to look for help.

Students - financial worries, friendships and exams can all cause stress and anxiety for students.

People with employment and money worries - losing a job, being unemployed or struggling to pay bills can cause common mental health problems.

People with long-term physical health conditions - a physical condition can affect your mental wellbeing.

How to access our service

You need to refer yourself to our services, though in some cases a professional might refer you if you have a long-term physical health condition, such as COPD or diabetes, which is affecting your mental wellbeing.

For more information on how to make a referral, visit our referrals sections below.

How to refer yourself to Swindon LIFT

You can refer yourself to Swindon LIFT by calling our team on 01793 836836 to book an appointment.

Most of our initial appointments take place on the phone or via on video link. We can also offer you face-to-face appointments on request.

For more information about what happens during your appointments, please visit the section about appointments further down this page.

For professionals: How to make a referral

Swindon LIFT accepts self-referrals. If you feel that someone you are caring for would benefit from our services, please direct them to information about the support we offer and encourage them to contact our team on 01796 836836 to make an initial appointment.

Appointments: what to expect

Before your appointment

Your first appointment is an assessment of what you might need, rather than the formal beginning of any therapy. This will last for a maximum of 45 minutes and can take place via:

Your appointment

At your appointment, one of our wellbeing professionals will ask you some questions about your difficulties before discussing the best ways to support you. We want to help answer any questions or concerns you might have, so it is always helpful to make a list of these before you come along. It will also help you to think about what you want to achieve through using our services.

We will offer you up to three appointments when you first come to Swindon LIFT services to see if we can find a solution to your difficulties within these first sessions.

After the appointment, the wellbeing professional who assesses you might suggest:

our services are not the best way to support you. If this is the case, you will be guided on where to find the right support and advice for you.

in some cases, that we refer you to another team for more intensive support to help you through your difficulties.

Other appointments and one-to-one therapy

If you have tried self-help or a course after your first appointment to see if it will help with your difficulties and you feel it is not working, our team might suggest you have some one-to-one therapy sessions.

You will be asked by the person treating you to complete something before your next appointment. This will help you benefit from the support available and might include:

reading some information or completing a thought/activity diary.

trying out a new technique, such as a mindfulness exercise.

attending one of our courses.

Review appointments after treatment

If you are still experiencing difficulties after self-help, one-to-one therapy or attending one of our courses, we will help you book another appointment to review your treatment and look at different ways we can support you.

How to book an appointment

We have clinics and appointments at various times from Monday to Friday.

Please call us on 01793 836836 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m to book an appointment.

Other information about appointments

If you miss a first appointment without informing us beforehand, you will have to book a new first appointment before you can access the service again.

If you miss two or more appointments in a row without telling us beforehand, we might end your access to our services so we can offer support to someone else on our waiting list.

We follow the UK government's 'zero tolerance' policy on protecting NHS staff from violence. This policy makes it clear that our professional team have the right to care for people without being attacked, abused or harassed by anyone. In line with this policy, we will report any incidents to our management or the police.

Privacy and confidentiality

Like any appointment in the surgery, we will note on your records that you have attended the appointment and include a summary of your progress. We will also look at the details in your completed pre-session questionnaire.

There might be some professional contact between our service and your GP, or other staff involved in your care, to share useful information.

For your peace of mind, we will discuss the different types of information that will be shared when we meet you.

Courses and workshops

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our group courses and workshops have taken place online using video meeting software called Microsoft Teams. This has allowed more service users to take part, so we plan to continue with online courses in the future.

To attend our online courses, you need a device with internet access. This can be a laptop, mobile phone or tablet with an internet browser so you can use Microsoft Teams. We will email you an invite with a link to join the session and will include details of how to use Microsoft Teams.

How we run our courses and workshops

We run a wide range of free courses and workshops to support people with different psychological and emotional difficulties.

To make them as accessible as possible, our courses run in the day or evening. They are usually short courses of between one and six weekly sessions, with each session lasting up to two hours. We also run one-off workshops. You can find out how long each course is and when it takes place by taking a further look into the details of each course.

We value everyone's need to feel as comfortable and welcome as possible, so we encourage you to take part in discussions and ask questions only if you want to. There is no expectation to do anything or speak on your own if you feel uncomfortable to do so.

How to book a course or workshop

Our current courses and workshops are listed at the bottom of this page and are available for people registered with a GP in Swindon. We recommend that you only book one course at a time to make the most of the content.

The same courses run regularly, so our list includes some that are not running right now but will become available again soon.

For more information or to book a course, please contact our team on 01793 836836 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m).

Help with long-term physical health conditions

Living with a long-term physical health condition can be challenging both physically and emotionally. The symptoms of health conditions can affect your day-to-day functioning and they often require active and demanding self-management, which can negatively impact your emotional wellbeing.

Within the Swindon LIFT Psychology service, we offer a wide range of support for many different long-term health conditions, including:

chronic pain

fatigue

diabetes (type 1 and type 2)

respiratory conditions (for example asthma, COPD)

cardiac disease

neurological conditions (for example multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease)

long COVID

irritable bowel syndrome

IAPT services offer a variety of treatment options based on an approach called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which seeks to change our thoughts and behaviours to improve our physical state and emotional feelings. CBT is an evidence-based treatment for long-term health conditions and is a recommended component of rehabilitation and treatment programmes by the NICE guidelines.

Our available treatment options are delivered in a variety of formats, including:

online

virtual

guided self-help

one-to-one appointments

group-based workshops

Below is an overview of the various services we offer for some of the more common long-term health conditions. To book a course or to find out more information, contact your local Swindon IAPT service on 01793 836836.

Coronary heart disease (CHD)
SilverCloud: Space in CHD from Depression and Anxiety
SilverCloud is a free online CBT-based programme designed to aid self-management of coronary heart disease and enhance wellbeing when living with the condition. The course contains online modules that you can work through in your own time over the course of eight weeks. When you sign up, you will be linked to a 'SilverCloud Supporter', who is a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. They will review your progress with the programme and make sure you get the most from it by unlocking more modules that suit your needs as you go on.
One-to-one appointments
Individual psychology appointments are available to explore the impact of the cardiac condition and understand how it affects your emotional wellbeing. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service or via your GP.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
SilverCloud: Space in Lung Conditions from Depression and Anxiety
SilverCloud is a free online CBT-based programme designed to aid self-management of lung conditions (for example COPD, asthma) and enhance wellbeing when living with the condition. The course contains online modules that you can work through in your own time over the course of eight weeks. When you sign up you will be linked to a 'SilverCloud Supporter', who is a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. They will review your progress with the programme and make sure you get the most from it by unlocking more modules that suit your needs as you go on.
One-to-one appointments
Individual psychology appointments explore the impact of COPD and its symptoms on your life, helping you to understand how it affects your functioning and emotional wellbeing. During the sessions, you will explore strategies to enhance your day-to-day functioning as well as self-manage the common symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service or via your GP.

Diabetes
SilverCloud: Space in Diabetes from Depression and Anxiety
SilverCloud is a free online CBT-based programme designed to aid self-management of diabetes and enhance emotional wellbeing. The course contains online modules that you can work through in your own time over the course of eight weeks. When you sign up you will be linked to a 'SilverCloud Supporter', who is a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. They will review your progress with the programme and make sure you get the most from it by unlocking more modules that suit your needs as you go on.
Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes Workshop
This free CBT-based workshop aims to help you with the self-management aspects of type 2 diabetes as well as improve your emotional wellbeing. Topics covered include goal-setting, problem-solving, communication and managing difficult thoughts and feelings.
One-to-one appointments
Individual psychology appointments explore the impact of diabetes on your life, helping you to understand how the reciprocal relationship between blood sugars, functioning and emotional wellbeing. In the sessions you will explore strategies to enhance your wellbeing, day-to-day functioning as well as self-manage condition. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service or via your GP.

Chronic pain
SilverCloud: Space in Chronic Pain from Depression and Anxiety
SilverCloud is a free online CBT-based programme designed to aid the self-management of pain and enhance emotional wellbeing. The course contains online modules that you can work through in your own time over the course of eight weeks. When you sign up you will be linked to a 'SilverCloud Supporter', who is a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. They will review your progress with the programme and make sure you get the most from it by unlocking more modules that suit your needs as you go on.
One-to-one appointments
One-to-one appointments explore the impact of chronic pain on daily life, helping you to understand the interaction between daily functioning, emotional wellbeing and pain symptoms. In the sessions you will explore strategies to enhance your day-to-day functioning as well as to help you to self-manage the pain. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service.

Fibromyalgia
One-to-one appointments
One-to-one appointments explore the impact of fibromyalgia symptoms on daily life, helping you to understand the interaction between daily functioning, emotional wellbeing and symptoms. In the sessions you will explore strategies to enhance your day-to-day functioning as well as to help you to self-manage some of the common symptoms such as fatigue, pain and cognitive difficulties. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service.

Fatigue
One-to-one appointments
One-to-one appointments explore the impact of fatigue on daily life, helping you to understand the interaction between daily functioning, emotional wellbeing and symptoms. In the sessions you will explore strategies to enhance your day-to-day functioning as well as to help you to self-manage the fatigue. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service.

Long COVID

Long COVID is a condition that develops following an initial infection of COVID-19. Symptoms typically include fatigue, pain, breathlessness and cognitive difficulties. People with long COVID are welcome to access the Living Well with Long-Term Pain and Living Well with Fatigue courses, as well as the SilverCloud modules that are relevant to their symptoms.
Managing Long COVID course
If you are registered with a Swindon GP, you can access this free self-management course which teaches skills and techniques to manage the common symptoms of long COVID.
Your COVID Recovery
This NHS website aims to help you to recover from long COVID and manage the effects on your body and mind. You can sign up on the NHS website here.
One-to-one appointments
One-to-one appointments explore the impact of long COVID on daily life, helping you to understand the interaction between daily functioning, emotional wellbeing and symptoms. In the sessions you will explore strategies to enhance your day-to-day functioning as well as to help you to self-manage the common symptoms of long COVID. These sessions can be accessed via self-referral by contacting your local IAPT service.

Self-help and other resources

You will find a selection of self-help guides and resources to give you, or the person you care for, the information and tools needed to effectively support your mental health. Visit our self-help and resources page here for tips and advice on managing your mental wellbeing. In addition to general resources, you will find links to specific resources depending on your life situation.

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Swindon LIFT Psychology :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

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Skip to main content Skip to accessibility tools IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and aims to help people access support for a range of common mental health problems. Swindon IAPT is also known as Swindon LIFT Psychology Service, or Swindon LIFT, and provides a service for people registered with a GP in Swindon.

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Five X More is dedicated to supporting mothers with its campaigning work and recommendations. It focuses on empowering Black women to make informed choices and advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancies and after childbirth.

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5. DO YOUR RESEARCH

ON PREGNANCY AND LABOUR via trusted sources such as NHS.uk, nice.org.uk and patient.info

6. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

We recommend you to make sure that any treatment or medication you are given or refused is written down in your maternity notes by your doctor or midwife stating their name and reason why.

Go a step further and keep your own personal journal and write down all the information for your own cross reference.

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ON PREGNANCY AND LABOUR via trusted sources such as NHS.uk, nice.org.uk and patient.info We recommend you to make sure that any treatment or medication you are given or refused is written down in your maternity notes by your doctor or midwife stating their name and reason why.

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Good birth stories are powerful. Hearing a mother's experience - how she felt, what helped her feel strong, the way they were loved and listened to - it's more than comfort. It's a model to copy.

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Perinatal Positivity uses the real voices and experiences of women and men who have had mental wellbeing difficulties around the time of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.

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Perinatal Positivity uses the real voices and experiences of women and men who have had mental wellbeing difficulties around the time of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. We hope it will help you emotionally prepare and find support, if needed, at this time. There are translations and subtitled versions of the film on our films page.

Perinatal mental health issues can happen in pregnancy and in the first years of being a parent (antenatal and postnatal). Problems can affect new mums as well as dads, people with no history of mental health problems as well as those who have. The word perinatal simply means the time around (peri) childbirth (natal).

Issues might include depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis and post-traumatic stress amongst other things. Tommy's (pregnancy health information for parents) has an excellent guide: https://www.tommys.org

If you, or someone you are close to, is experiencing mental wellbeing problems connected to pregnancy and being a new parent , talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife a nd visit our support page to find local and national support organisations. Parents talk about the signs & symptoms they experienced in the video below.

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Perinatal Positivity Film - Perinatal Positivity

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Perinatal Positivity is a short, animated film to help new families safeguard their mental health. It uses the voices & experiences of real parents.

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Baby Steps is a perinatal educational programme. It’s designed to help prepare people for becoming parents, not just for the birth itself.

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Introduction

Helping parents cope with the pressures of a new baby

Pregnancy and the first months of a child's life are crucial and lay the foundations for their future.

Baby Steps is a perinatal educational programme. It's designed to help prepare people for becoming parents, not just for the birth itself.

How it works

How Baby Steps works

Baby Steps starts with a home visit in the seventh month of pregnancy and then includes six group sessions, one each week before the baby is born. After the baby is born, the family is visited again at home, and then there are three more group sessions. Groups are led by someone who works in children's services, like a family support worker, and a health visitor or midwife.

Sessions include films, group discussions and creative activities. They're interactive and designed to build confidence and communication skills. There's a strong focus on building relationships between parents and their babies.

Users of Baby Steps can sign up to receive weekly texts with tips, pregnancy advice and support for their sessions. They can also opt in to a messaging service for practitioners to send session reminders to everyone in their Baby Steps group.

Themes

Baby Steps covers six themes:

the development of my/our unborn baby

changes for me and us

my/our health and wellbeing

giving birth and meeting my/our baby

caring for my/our baby

who is there for us - people and services.

Evidence base

The evidence base

Research suggests that the parent-child relationship is central to the child's development and wellbeing (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2004).

There is promising evidence that antenatal education that focuses on the transition to parenthood, the relationship between partners and the development of a positive parent-infant relationship can improve parent and child outcomes (Schrader-McMillan et al, 2009).

A woman whose partner remains involved during pregnancy is more likely to:

attend antenatal care

take better care of her health

deliver a healthy baby

recover more quickly from postnatal depression

(Fletcher, May and St George, 2014; Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

Who it is for

Who is Baby Steps for?

Baby Steps is for new parents who are more likely to need extra help, and less likely to access antenatal education. This includes those who:

have drug or alcohol problems (misuse substances)

are a recent migrant, asylum seeker or refugee

have difficulty reading, speaking or understanding English

have identified learning difficulties

have low-level mental health problems (such as depression or anxiety)

are a victim of domestic abuse

are an offender or ex-offender (committed a crime)

are homeless

are a care leaver

are from a traveller community

have no social support networks

are in severe financial hardships (having severe money troubles)

are under 20 years of age.

Making a referral

To see if Baby Steps is delivered in your area or to make a referral, email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Delivering Baby Steps

The NSPCC is also supporting organisations to adopt, implement and deliver Baby Steps themselves.
> Find out more about delivering our services

Evaluation

Evaluation of Baby Steps

Using a variety of data, our evaluation looked at the overall experience of Baby Steps users and measured the service's effect on parental mental health and relationships.

What we learnt

Quantitative evaluation

Quantitative evaluation found that parents who had attended Baby Steps:

showed an improvement in the quality of their relationship with their babies

showed a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression

showed increased levels of self-esteem

had a lower caesarean rate (see the World Health Organisation's report (PDF) on the importance of this measure)

had babies with a higher birth weight.

(Coster, Brookes and Sanger, 2015)
> Read our quantitative evaluation report
Qualitative evaluation

Qualitative evaluations of parents' experiences of Baby Steps found:

parents were very satisfied with the programme and enjoyed it

parents felt they had acquired new knowledge, which had prepared them for pregnancy and parenthood

parents felt the programme had a positive effect on their relationship with their partner

parents felt that the programme had made them feel secure and supported

groups of parents who had less access to other forms of information and support, including parents in prison and those from minority ethnic groups, particularly benefited from Baby Steps.

(Brookes and Coster, 2014; Brookes and Coster, 2014; Brookes and Coster, 2015)

You can find a full list of evaluation reports for this service in our references and resources section.

How we evaluated this service

Baby Steps was evaluated during the first three years of delivery.

Process evaluation

During the first year, a process evaluation was carried out, with three components: focus groups, survey and interviews. The process evaluation demonstrated that the programme had the potential to be beneficial to parents, and that they appreciated it.

Focus groups

Held with practitioners to explore their experiences of delivering the programme.

Survey

148 parents were surveyed immediately after they had completed the service. This explored their satisfaction with the programme immediately after they had completed it, and whether they thought it was helpful.

Interviews

51 parents were asked about their experience of the programme and how they thought it had helped them. We selected parents for the interviews with a mix of characteristics such as gender, geographical area and referral criteria. Some interviews explored how the programme worked for particular groups, such as parents in prison and those from minority ethnic families.

Further evaluation

A second stage of the evaluation was conducted, measuring the programme's envisaged outcomes using self-report psychometric measures. The measures were obtained at four time points:

T1: before the programme started

T2: at the end of the last antenatal session

T3: at the post-birth home visit

T4: at the last postnatal session.

In addition to the psychometric measures, data on birth weight, length of gestation, and delivery mode were collected from parents at the first home visit following birth as indicators of healthy birth outcomes.

Parents were also contacted six months after they had finished the course and asked to complete the psychometric measures and answer some additional questions about the longer-term impact of the course.

Evaluation tools

The evaluation used the following tools:

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

Mother Object Relationship Scale

Prenatal Attachment Inventory and adapted Prenatal Attachment Inventory for fathers

Relationship Quality Index

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

References and resources

References and resources

Evaluation reports

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2014) Evaluation of the first year of Baby Steps: parents' perspectives. London: NSPCC.

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2014) Baby Steps in a prison context: parents' perspectives. London: NSPCC.

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2015) Baby Steps: perspectives of parents from a minority ethnic background. London: NSPCC.

Coster, D., Brookes, H. and Sanger, C. (2015) Evaluation of the Baby Steps programme: pre- and post-measures study. London: NSPCC.

Hogg, S., Coster, D. and Brookes, H. (2015) Baby Steps: evidence from a relationships-based perinatal education programme: summary document. London: NSPCC.

Johnson, R. and Andersson, T. (2018) Implementation evaluation of Baby Steps scale-up. London: NSPCC.

Evidence base

Fatherhood Institute (2010) Fatherhood Institute Research Summary: Fathers and Postnatal Depression. [Accessed 20/09/2018]

Fletcher, R., May, C. and St George, J. (2014) Fathers' prenatal relationship with 'their' baby and 'her' pregnancy - implications for antenatal education. International Journal of Birth and Parent Education, 1(3): 7-11.

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2004) Young children develop in an environment of relationships. Working Paper No. 1 (PDF). Harvard: Center on the Developing Child.

Schrader-McMillan, A. et al (2009) Birth and beyond: a review of evidence about antenatal education. London: Department of Health.

World Health Organisation (WHO) (2018) WHO recommendations: non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections (PDF). Geneva: World Health Organisation (WHO).

Introduction

Helping parents cope with the pressures of a new baby

Pregnancy and the first months of a child's life are crucial and lay the foundations for their future.

Baby Steps is a perinatal educational programme. It's designed to help prepare people for becoming parents, not just for the birth itself.

How it works

How Baby Steps works

Baby Steps starts with a home visit in the seventh month of pregnancy and then includes six group sessions, one each week before the baby is born. After the baby is born, the family is visited again at home, and then there are three more group sessions. Groups are led by someone who works in children's services, like a family support worker, and a health visitor or midwife.

Sessions include films, group discussions and creative activities. They're interactive and designed to build confidence and communication skills. There's a strong focus on building relationships between parents and their babies.

Users of Baby Steps can sign up to receive weekly texts with tips, pregnancy advice and support for their sessions. They can also opt in to a messaging service for practitioners to send session reminders to everyone in their Baby Steps group.

Themes

Baby Steps covers six themes:

the development of my/our unborn baby

changes for me and us

my/our health and wellbeing

giving birth and meeting my/our baby

caring for my/our baby

who is there for us - people and services.

Evidence base

The evidence base

Research suggests that the parent-child relationship is central to the child's development and wellbeing (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2004).

There is promising evidence that antenatal education that focuses on the transition to parenthood, the relationship between partners and the development of a positive parent-infant relationship can improve parent and child outcomes (Schrader-McMillan et al, 2009).

A woman whose partner remains involved during pregnancy is more likely to:

attend antenatal care

take better care of her health

deliver a healthy baby

recover more quickly from postnatal depression

(Fletcher, May and St George, 2014; Fatherhood Institute, 2010).

Who it is for

Who is Baby Steps for?

Baby Steps is for new parents who are more likely to need extra help, and less likely to access antenatal education. This includes those who:

have drug or alcohol problems (misuse substances)

are a recent migrant, asylum seeker or refugee

have difficulty reading, speaking or understanding English

have identified learning difficulties

have low-level mental health problems (such as depression or anxiety)

are a victim of domestic abuse

are an offender or ex-offender (committed a crime)

are homeless

are a care leaver

are from a traveller community

have no social support networks

are in severe financial hardships (having severe money troubles)

are under 20 years of age.

Making a referral

To see if Baby Steps is delivered in your area or to make a referral, email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Delivering Baby Steps

The NSPCC is also supporting organisations to adopt, implement and deliver Baby Steps themselves.
> Find out more about delivering our services

Evaluation

Evaluation of Baby Steps

Using a variety of data, our evaluation looked at the overall experience of Baby Steps users and measured the service's effect on parental mental health and relationships.

What we learnt

Quantitative evaluation

Quantitative evaluation found that parents who had attended Baby Steps:

showed an improvement in the quality of their relationship with their babies

showed a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression

showed increased levels of self-esteem

had a lower caesarean rate (see the World Health Organisation's report (PDF) on the importance of this measure)

had babies with a higher birth weight.

(Coster, Brookes and Sanger, 2015)
> Read our quantitative evaluation report
Qualitative evaluation

Qualitative evaluations of parents' experiences of Baby Steps found:

parents were very satisfied with the programme and enjoyed it

parents felt they had acquired new knowledge, which had prepared them for pregnancy and parenthood

parents felt the programme had a positive effect on their relationship with their partner

parents felt that the programme had made them feel secure and supported

groups of parents who had less access to other forms of information and support, including parents in prison and those from minority ethnic groups, particularly benefited from Baby Steps.

(Brookes and Coster, 2014; Brookes and Coster, 2014; Brookes and Coster, 2015)

You can find a full list of evaluation reports for this service in our references and resources section.

How we evaluated this service

Baby Steps was evaluated during the first three years of delivery.

Process evaluation

During the first year, a process evaluation was carried out, with three components: focus groups, survey and interviews. The process evaluation demonstrated that the programme had the potential to be beneficial to parents, and that they appreciated it.

Focus groups

Held with practitioners to explore their experiences of delivering the programme.

Survey

148 parents were surveyed immediately after they had completed the service. This explored their satisfaction with the programme immediately after they had completed it, and whether they thought it was helpful.

Interviews

51 parents were asked about their experience of the programme and how they thought it had helped them. We selected parents for the interviews with a mix of characteristics such as gender, geographical area and referral criteria. Some interviews explored how the programme worked for particular groups, such as parents in prison and those from minority ethnic families.

Further evaluation

A second stage of the evaluation was conducted, measuring the programme's envisaged outcomes using self-report psychometric measures. The measures were obtained at four time points:

T1: before the programme started

T2: at the end of the last antenatal session

T3: at the post-birth home visit

T4: at the last postnatal session.

In addition to the psychometric measures, data on birth weight, length of gestation, and delivery mode were collected from parents at the first home visit following birth as indicators of healthy birth outcomes.

Parents were also contacted six months after they had finished the course and asked to complete the psychometric measures and answer some additional questions about the longer-term impact of the course.

Evaluation tools

The evaluation used the following tools:

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

Mother Object Relationship Scale

Prenatal Attachment Inventory and adapted Prenatal Attachment Inventory for fathers

Relationship Quality Index

Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

References and resources

References and resources

Evaluation reports

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2014) Evaluation of the first year of Baby Steps: parents' perspectives. London: NSPCC.

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2014) Baby Steps in a prison context: parents' perspectives. London: NSPCC.

Brookes, H. and Coster, D. (2015) Baby Steps: perspectives of parents from a minority ethnic background. London: NSPCC.

Coster, D., Brookes, H. and Sanger, C. (2015) Evaluation of the Baby Steps programme: pre- and post-measures study. London: NSPCC.

Hogg, S., Coster, D. and Brookes, H. (2015) Baby Steps: evidence from a relationships-based perinatal education programme: summary document. London: NSPCC.

Johnson, R. and Andersson, T. (2018) Implementation evaluation of Baby Steps scale-up. London: NSPCC.

Evidence base

Fatherhood Institute (2010) Fatherhood Institute Research Summary: Fathers and Postnatal Depression. [Accessed 20/09/2018]

Fletcher, R., May, C. and St George, J. (2014) Fathers' prenatal relationship with 'their' baby and 'her' pregnancy - implications for antenatal education. International Journal of Birth and Parent Education, 1(3): 7-11.

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2004) Young children develop in an environment of relationships. Working Paper No. 1 (PDF). Harvard: Center on the Developing Child.

Schrader-McMillan, A. et al (2009) Birth and beyond: a review of evidence about antenatal education. London: Department of Health.

World Health Organisation (WHO) (2018) WHO recommendations: non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections (PDF). Geneva: World Health Organisation (WHO).

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Introduction Pregnancy and the first months of a child's life are crucial and lay the foundations for their future. Baby Steps is a perinatal educational programme. It's designed to help prepare people for becoming parents, not just for the birth itself.

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Mental Health Videos by Best Beginnings, a charity supporting all parents, co-parents and care-givers to give their children the best beginning in life.

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This information and videos are available in verified by experts in our Editorial Board including representatives from Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and Royal College of Psychiatrists as well as other key health organisations in the UK. To download Baby Buddy, visit the relevant app store of your choice:

Introduction

Mental health doctor Alain explains how you are the best person to know whether what you're feeling is normal for you - and why it's so important to talk to someone if you feel something's not right.

Feelings in pregnancy

New mum Nicola talks about some of her feelings when she was pregnant, including being very emotional at her first ultrasound scan.

Feelings after birth

New mum Rebecca talks about feeling low and emotional after her baby was born. Talking to friends and family can help - but if you need more support, talk to your midwife or health visitor

Mental Health problems

Mental health doctor Alain explains what postnatal depression is, and what to do if you have it.

Coping and support

New mum Katie, who has depression, talks about some simple, practical steps she took took to help avoid stress and keep her relationship strong.

If you're feeling low, talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor.

You can get information and support from PANDAS ( www.pandasfoundation.org.uk, helpline 0843 2898401) or APNI ( www.apni.org.uk, helpline 020 7386 0868).

Getting help and treatment

Women's mental health doctor Trudi talks about when to ask for help if you're not feeling right or you're worried about your mental health. Talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor about how you feel.

Mental health long films

Four mothers talk about their experiences of having depression and anxiety, and health professionals describe the options for support and treatment. This video is a clip from the longer film.

You can get information and support for depression and anxiety at MIND ( www.mind.org.ukhelpline 0300 123 3393 or text 86463), PANDAS ( www.pandasfoundation.org.ukhelpline 0843 2898401), APNI ( www.apni.org, helpline 0207 386 0868) or Anxiety UK ( www.anxietyuk.org.uk, helpline 08444 775 774).

Latest

The Impact Lead will focus on developing Best Beginnings' frameworks for monitoring and evaluating our national and international work ensuring that learning continues to be captured in ways that can be shared and used for effective advocacy and influencing. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role influencing policy and its implementation within the maternity, early years, digital health and public health context.

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Our Out of the Blue videos support parents' and soon-to-be parents' wellbeing during pregnancy and beyond.

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A series of videos that was designed to address and support parents who may be experiencing a wide range of mental health problems: from generalised low mood and anxiety to severe depression and postpartum psychosis.

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Watch Out of the Blue videos here
What is Out of the Blue?
Out of the Blue is a series of videos that was designed to address and support parents who may be experiencing a wide range of mental health problems: from generalised low mood and anxiety to severe depression and postpartum psychosis. Best Beginnings actively promotes the idea that mental health is as important and physical health. Best Beginnings' participation in the Heads Together campaign , spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, helped us spotlight the impact of mental health problems on mothers, fathers and babies during the antenatal and postnatal period and the longer term impact on their children. Out of the Blue Project was funded by Comic Relief .
Why do we need Out of the Blue?
The changes experienced during pregnancy, motherhood and fatherhood can be difficult - some people struggle with emotional issues as well as physical symptoms. These can vary from very mild to very serious.

Up to 1 in 5 women will suffer mental health issues during pregnancy and the year after birth.

Best Beginnings wanted to increase awareness of the symptoms of deteriorating mental health, for families to know that there is nothing to be ashamed about, that they are not the only ones feeling this way, that there is help and with the right support, recover and wellbeing is possible.
Out of the Blue films:

12 short clips to help you understand your baby and support bonding, and support your baby's brain development

64 short clips to support your mental health in pregnancy and after your baby is born

7 longer videos (approx 20 minutes duration each) including an Introduction to Maternal Mental Health, and Fathers and Maternal Mental Health

To find out more about the Out of the Blue film series, its creation, contributors and use, download our Out of the Blue Booklet.
Where to watch Out of the Blue?
You can watch Out of the Blue in our free multi-award winning Baby Buddy app or online on our web version.
Making Out of the Blue
As with all Best Beginning other projects, this has been a product of co-creation project with parents, professionals, Royal Colleges and other professional bodies

We worked with mums in recovery as well as dads and other family members to document their journeys and answer the questions that parents want answered. As with all Best Beginnings' resources, the content, tone and style of the Out of the Blue films was shaped by our independent Editorial Board and our Parent Panel . See below the making of Out of the Blue timeline:
Launching Out of the Blue with The Duchess of Cambridge Out of the Blue covers:

The antenatal period (during pregnancy)

Bonding with your baby during pregnancy (which can reduce risk of mental health issues)

Warning signs of mental health issues

How to look after yourself in pregnancy

The importance of escalating (the right support at the right time can promote optimum healthy parent-infant relationship)

Where to go for support

The period immediately after birth

What feelings are normal

How to spot warning signs of post-natal depression (PND)

Bonding with your baby (which can reduce risk of PND)

Where to go for support

The longer-term post birth period

What checks can you expect from your midwife or health visitor relating to PND and why they are done

Warning signs of PND

How to look after your mental health and where to go for support

More complex mental health issues

Underlying mental-health issues and problems that can arise after birth, including postpartum psychosis

Highlighting warning signs

Support services available to mums to help manage mental illness symptoms

Bonding and attunement - infant communication and mental health

Understanding different cries and prolonged crying

Recognising waking, rousing and sleep states

Understanding cuddling and movement

Want to know more about Out of the Blue?
Visit the Out of the Blue Impact and Evaluation page.

More information about terminology, impact, classification and further support is available on our Helping Parents with Mental Health Issues page. For a quick look at a few of the Out of the Blue films, click .

Some of the films are for professional training only. The rest are freely available to watch and are fully integrated into our free Baby Buddy app which you can download here.
If you need support:
You are the best judge of your own health and of your baby's health. If you think there is something out of the ordinary then it is important to talk to someone and not bottle it up:

Talk to your partner, family or a friend - it helps to share your concerns

Talk to your doctor, midwife or health visitor

Contact the organisations that are part of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance

In an emergency dial 999

To find out how Best Beginnings can work with you in your are and use our Out of the Blue resources email Carly, our Head of Delivery at [email protected]

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Mental health resources to support parents who may experience a wide range of emotional problems: from generalised low mood and anxiety to severe depression and postpartum psychosis. Best Beginnings' participation in the Heads Together campaign, spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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APP have produced a series of guides with the help of women who have experienced postpartum psychosis (PP) and their partners.

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PP Insider Guides | Action on Postpartum Psychosis

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APP has produced a series of guides with the help of women who have experienced postpartum psychosis (PP) and their partners. If you have ideas for future insider guide titles, please get in touch. If you would like to order hard copies of these guides, email us at: info@app-network.org. Guides are…

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Support for those experiencing ectopic pregnancy – from forums to virtual support groups.

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The EPT1000 Challenge

Sign up to our EPT1000 Challenge for 2024! Participate in the EPT1000 Challenge local to your home or within your own home, at your pace. Covering 1000 miles or 100 km (your choice!) over the year, you can count climbing the stairs, joining in fitness videos online, and even gardening in totting up your distance. You can extend your timeframe or pause the Challenge too. Many previous Challengers express how The EPT1000 Challenge provides much-needed focus and time to reflect, helping their emotional and physical recovery while raising awareness and funds.
Sign up to The EPT1000 Challenge

Here for anyone who needs us

We're so sorry that you are going through a challenging time. It's natural to feel lost when dealing with an ectopic pregnancy. We hope to ease that slightly. Medical advice from your healthcare professionals is important, and so is emotional support.

No matter your circumstances, we're here for you.

Supporting family

You might have other children. You might find it challenging to talk to your parents about what you are going through. It could be that your child has experienced an ectopic pregnancy. We can help you find the words you may be looking for.
Read our guidance for families

Do you or someone you know have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

There are a few key symptoms of ectopic pregnancy which can be similar to other conditions - like miscarriage, urinary infection, or upset stomach. If you have a missed period and symptoms such as abdominal pain or unusual vaginal bleeding, it is important to get checked out. It is a good idea to do a pregnancy test. Symptoms may be nothing to worry about and you may have a "normal" pregnancy - but it is worth getting medical attention to rule out an ectopic pregnancy to be on the safe side.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the cavity ("space") of the uterus (womb). The most common place for an ectopic pregnancy is in a Fallopian tube (also occasionally called a tubal pregnancy) but there are many other sites where an ectopic pregnancy can be located, such as the ovary, cervix, abdomen, or caesarean scar. It is, sadly, not possible to move an ectopic pregnancy into the uterus.

Any woman or person who is sexually active or having fertility treatment (like IVF) is at risk of an ectopic pregnancy. There are some situations which may make a woman or person higher risk but there is often no way of knowing for sure why an ectopic pregnancy has happened in many cases.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, doctors will conduct tests to confirm or rule it out. These tests include a scan called a transvaginal ultrasound scan and sometimes checking hormone levels.
Find out more about ectopic pregnancies

What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Although there could be another explanation, if vaginal bleeding occurs and you have had a positive pregnancy test, it's really important that you get it checked out. Some bleeding in early pregnancy can occur in a normal pregnancy - but still seek medical advice straight away.

Vaginal bleeding or pains in the abdomen should be investigated urgently by a medical professional as they could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, it may be a life-threatening situation because of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. So don't wait.

These signs don't mean an ectopic pregnancy is the only outcome; it's just better to be safe. Always seek medical advice when experiencing abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding in any trimester of pregnancy. It is ok to trust your instincts.
Read about how an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed

How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

After diagnosis by a doctor, there are three main treatment options:

- expectant management (watchful waiting to see if the pregnancy resolves on its own);

- medical management with a drug called methotrexate;

- surgery (usually a laparoscopy or keyhole surgery but sometimes a laparotomy or open surgery).

The treatment options available will depend on clinical factors such as your pregnancy hormone level (called human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG) and the extent of pain or bleeding, so follow guidance from your healthcare professional.
More about the different treatment options

We're here to help

Support after an ectopic pregnancy

From forums to virtual support groups, we have many ways to help you. You don't have to navigate this on your own.

Education

We work hard to increase awareness about symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, treatment options, and recovery.

Research

At The EPT, we pride ourselves in our contribution to ectopic pregnancy research and the medical community.

About The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

The EPT provides information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of ectopic pregnancy, as well as much-needed support to families affected by ectopic pregnancy and the healthcare professionals who care for them.
Find out more about The EPT

Giving support, giving guidance, giving comfort - give what you can, too.

Over the last year, we've seen a drop in donations. Help us continue driving awareness, education and support to those through diagnosis, treatment and recovery - donate to our cause now. Every penny makes a real difference!

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Information and support for anyone affected by ectopic pregnancy and other early pregnancy complications, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

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A charity working to improve care, treatment and support for women suffering from Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and the severe form of the condition; Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).

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What is pregnancy sickness?

Pregnancy sickness is often called morning sickness, but it can occur at any time of the day or night. Despite sickness being an expected part of pregnancy, severity does vary from person to person. Sickness isn't always vomiting; nausea can be so debilitating that it effects your ability to eat and drink.

Sometimes symptoms go beyond the realm of 'normal' and your quality of life becomes impacted, at this point it's important to seek medical care. Reach out to us for information and support to help you cope and get the right treatment.
Read more about pregnancy sickness
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition at the extreme end of the pregnancy sickness spectrum. It affects approximately 3% of pregnancies and is very debilitating for sufferers. HG strongly limits everyday activities; vomiting and/or nausea are severe.

It is important that you seek medical treatment if you are unable to keep any food or fluid down as you can become dehydrated very quickly. Often IV fluids are essential to become rehydrated, and medication is necessary to try and stabilise symptoms. Contact us to talk through your options and to help you advocate for yourself with your healthcare professionals.
Read more about HG

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Pregnancy Sickness Support home page - UK Charity

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Pregnancy Sickness Support UK Charity Supporting women with Morning Sickness Pregnancy Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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Supporting you through every milestone of your journey with twins, triplets or more...

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Twins Trust - We support twins, triplets and more...

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Supporting you through every milestone of your journey with twins, triplets or more. From being pregnant with twins, triplets or quads through to parenting twins, triplets or quads, we are here for you.

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Support for crying and sleepless babies.

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Support For Crying And Sleepless Babies | Home | Cry-sis

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Cry-sis, the only UK charity offering help and support to parents with babies who cry excessively or have sleeping problems. Call the helpline now...

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Information around pregnancy and childbirth for people affected by bipolar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This can only be decided on an individual basis and preferably with advice from a perinatal psychiatrist taking into account your own personal history.

However, it is the case that many contemporary perinatal experts do not regard some medications, notably lithium, as being as harmful to the fetus as previously believed.

Thus many women have stayed well on their lithium while pregnant with no ill-effects to the baby. If medication is continued, it is important to monitor mother and baby closely.

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This can only be decided on an individual basis and preferably with advice from a perinatal psychiatrist taking into account your own personal history. However, it is the case that many contemporary perinatal experts do not regard some medications, notably lithium, as being as harmful to the fetus as previously believed.

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Miscarriage Association -support on Zoom

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Miscarriage Association -support on Zoom

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A UK-wide network of support volunteers who have been through pregnancy loss themselves and who run support group meetings where people can share their experiences with others who have been through something similar.

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Pregnancy loss support groups - The Miscarriage Association

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Find information about the Miscarriage Association’s telephone supporters and face-to-face pregnancy loss support groups. Page includes location details for current groups in England, Scotland and Wales.

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Pregnancy loss information and support.

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After thirty years of service our very first National Director, Ruth Bender Atik is retiring and we are recruiting for a new CEO. Our next Chief Executive will have the full support of the trustees to develop the strategy that will take the Miscarriage Association through the next chapter of its journey, based on a [...]
Continue reading "

We are so thankful to everyone who contributes to Baby Loss Awareness Week. Sharing stories, raising funds and getting involved on social media - it all helps us to spread the word and raise awareness of the impact of miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancy. Crucially, you help us all create and maintain this special opportunity [...]
Continue reading "

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has updated its guidance for doctors on caring for people with recurrent miscarriage. They have also published a patient information leaflet. What is new? There is a change in the definition of recurrent miscarriage more consideration of the occasions where someone might be offered tests after two [...]
Continue reading "

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The Miscarriage Association:Pregnancy Loss Information & Support

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Learn about the Miscarriage Association, how to cope, and support those experiencing pregnancy loss. Access vital resources and information.

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A charity co-founded by two mothers, Maria Bavetta and Diana Wilson, who have experienced and recovered from extreme perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

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Birthrights is dedicated to ensuring women and birthing people receive the respect and dignity they deserve in pregnancy and childbirth.

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An organisation that offers support for babies born premature or sick.

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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Our vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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ARC support parents by providing non-directive information and support before, during and after antenatal screening.

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Home | ARC supports parents throughout antenatal testing and its consequences

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UK national charity ARC provides non-directive support and information to parents throughout antenatal testing, and where there has been a diagnosis of fetal anomaly.

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Living with someone who misuses drugs or alcohol can be exhausting. Families Also Matter, can help to reduce the impact of someone else's drug or alcohol use on their families and friends.

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About the service

Living with someone who misuses drugs or alcohol can be exhausting. Most people caring for someone with a drug and alcohol problem find the focus of their attention is on the behaviour and consequences of the behaviour of the person using drugs or alcohol.

We can help to reduce the impact of someone else's drug or alcohol use on their families and friends.

How we help

There are a number of ways that we can help, depending on your level of need. The first thing you might want to do is assess your own needs using our anonymous online tool, webFAM.

In our service, we also offer:

Help from other family members in similar situations

Structured support groups

Sessions with the family member and the person using drugs or alcohol, together

1:1 sessions for support, advice and counselling

Reach Out, a dedicated annual conference for families and carers

We do not provide Out of Hours or emergency support. If you need help in an emergency or outside of our working hours (9am-5pm Monday to Friday), visit our Out of hours help page.

Other DHI services nearby

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Families Also Matter - Bath & North East Somerset

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About the service Living with someone who misuses drugs or alcohol can be exhausting. Most people caring for someone with a drug and alcohol problem find the focus of their attention is on the behaviour and consequences of the behaviour of the person using drugs or alcohol. We can help to reduce...

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Sands supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

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Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

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Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.

Sands provides bereavement support services both nationally through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups.

Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK.

Sands promotes and funds research to better understand the causes of baby deaths and save babies' lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.

Over the past 40 years, Sands has grown into a national charity with a powerful vision, to create a world where fewer babies die, shared by dedicated volunteers, fundraisers, members, donors, healthcare professionals, partners, staff and bereaved parents and families.

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About Sands | Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

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Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.