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Supporting your partner and supporting yourself

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Supporting your partner and supporting yourself

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Find links below to some resources available for partners.

Please note, while these resources may be helpful, they may not be endorsed by the NHS.

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Abuse can come in many forms, physical, financial, sexual, emotional and psychological.  Often when we are subject to any abuse it can affect our mental health.  Domestic abuse affects one in four women in pregnancy, if you feel this is something that affects you, please seek help.  The resources below are available for you.  Alternatively, speak to your midwife, GP or Health Visitor.

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If you'd like support via WhatsApp

To use the service simply message 07903 508334 and you will be connected to one of our trained PANDAS volunteers.

It is free and confidential for users of this service and will be open from 8am - 10pm daily.

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How we can support you - PANDAS Foundation UK

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If you'd like support via WhatsApp To use the service simply message 07903 508334 and you will be connected to one of our trained PANDAS volunteers. It is free and confidential for users of this service and will be open from 8am - 10pm daily.

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Text the word ' PANDAS' to 85258 for in-the-moment support your mental health.

Individuals feeling anxious, stressed, lonely, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support can use the service by texting the word ' PANDAS' to 85258, any time of the day or night.

The service, a partnership between The PANDAS Foundation, powered by charity Mental Health Innovations and thanks to the support of corporate partner Huggies, offers free, accessible, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support for any parent or carer who is struggling to cope.

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Text Support Service - PANDAS Foundation UK

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Text the word ' PANDAS' to 85258 for in-the-moment support your mental health. Individuals feeling anxious, stressed, lonely, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support can use the service by texting the word ' PANDAS' to 85258, any time of the day or night.

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Suicide is the biggest cause of preventable death for men under 50 and for both men and women under 35. Let’s shine a light 💡

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Get 24/7 support whenever you need it

We're bringing suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester because it affects us all. Whether you're feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you're not alone. Whatever you're going through, we'll help you get the advice and support you need.

Are you...

Feeling
suicidal?

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, find out what you can do to keep yourself safe and where to get help.

Read More

Are you...

Concerned
about someone?

Learn about the warning signs and the things you can do to help someone who may be thinking of suicide.

Read More

Are you...

Bereaved
by suicide?

We know how hard losing someone to suicide is. Find out about support to help you through this difficult time.

Read More

Learn to save a life- take the free suicide prevention training

It can be really hard to know how to support someone who you think might be feeling suicidal. Zero Suicide Alliance have created free online training that will give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Need to talk?

Whatever you're going through, Samaritans will face it with you.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Learn to save a life- take the free suicide prevention training

It can be really hard to know how to support someone who you think might be feeling suicidal. Zero Suicide Alliance have created free online training that will give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Need to talk?

Whatever you're going through, Samaritans will face it with you.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Make a safety plan

A safety plan will help to remind you of the things you can do to get through difficult times.

If you're worried that someone may be thinking of suicide, you could work through their safety plan with them or help them to make a plan.

You don't have to be a professional to help someone who is thinking of suicide.

If you're worried that someone you know might be thinking of suicide, the best thing to do is ask directly and be ready to listen.

Learn to save a life

Learn how to start an important conversation with this free online training.

Take part now

If you're bereaved by suicide

We know that any bereavement is hard but losing someone to suicide can bring different challenges. There is support available to you and your family to help you deal with your loss. You do not have to deal with your grief alone.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service

Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays).

Stories of hope

By sharing these stories, we want to encourage others to talk about suicide, to remain hopeful during difficult times and save lives.

All stories

National support

Information and services for people who are struggling to cope, wanting to find out how to help someone or are looking for bereavement support.

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Shining a Light on Suicide | Together we can help prevent suicide

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We're bringing suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester because it affects us all. Whether you're feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you're not alone. Whatever you're going through, we'll help you get the advice and support you need.

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For mild to moderate mental health symptoms, please consider referral to the Talking Therapies service.  This Hertfordshire based organisation offer different services including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and talking therapies.  This service is run by Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust. They also provide other services for perinatal women and their partners. Support is prioritised for perinatal women.

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Links to external mental health awareness resources

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Links to external mental health awareness resources

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Please note, while these resources may be helpful, they may not be endorsed by the NHS.

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For a woman's mental wellbeing to be regarded with equal consideration as her physical wellbeing, by providing high quality, compassionate care.

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A service for Dads who are worried about their mental health.

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Dads Matter UK is here to provide support for dads worried about or suffering from Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about being a dad and if you will be good enough. This is just like what mothers experience. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.

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However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and this can often affect their daily life. Depression is a serious and common condition which won't get better by itself. If you had a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you wouldn't expect that to heal ...

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If you are finding you are in crisis and are needing urgent help, please contact:

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If you are finding you are in crisis and are needing urgent help, please contact:

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- Your care co-ordinator/mental health key worker if applicable

- Dial 999

- Present to your local Accident and Emergency Department

- Out of hours Mental Health Helpline on 01438 843322/08006444101

- Samaritans (free phone) 116 123

- NHS 111, option 2

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If you feel your mental wellbeing is not as it should be, such as low mood or anxiety:

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If you feel your mental wellbeing is not as it should be, such as low mood or anxiety:

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- Please contact your GP in the first instance.

- Contact your community midwife for support and guidance.

- Consider self referral to the Talking Therapies service.

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Links to mental health and wellbeing apps as endorsed by NHS

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Links to mental health and wellbeing apps as endorsed by NHS

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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Information regarding the positive effect of mindfulness on our mental health in pregnancy.

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Taking part in a mindfulness course during pregnancy has been shown in a recent study to reduce the fear of labour, decrease the use of pain relief and lower the risk of postnatal depression.

Participants in the study were assigned to either mindfulness training or traditional childbirth classes. The results suggest that incorporating mindfulness into antenatal education can help mums to cope better with their fears.

The results also show that mindfulness can help decrease the symptoms of prenatal and postnatal depression.

The study's mindfulness training was set up by midwife and mindfulness teacher, Nancy Bardarke, and included modules on mindfulness meditation, awareness of breathing and the body. Mums-to-be were taught to keep their minds focused on the present moment, rather than worrying about the next contraction or thinking about the previous one.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is defined as paying attention to the present moment and being aware of any thoughts, feelings and sensations that arise without judging them or trying to change them. This type of moment-to-moment awareness can counteract our tendency to live life on autopilot.

In pregnancy, it can also help you bond and connect with your unborn baby.

The thought of giving birth can be scary, especially if other women have been telling you about what it was like for them or you've been reading gory stories.

If you're stressed and tense going into labour, your contractions may feel more painful and become less effective. An earlier study has shown that women with a fear of childbirth had a longer labour - 47 minutes longer on average - compared with women who weren't fearful.

For hundreds of years, women in different parts of the world have used relaxation, breathing and self-hypnosis as a way of coping with pain during labour and birth.

Being able to relax rather than tense up during a contraction helps your body manage labour better. Many antenatal classes cover relaxation and breathing techniques and it's good to find out about these, whatever you decide to do when you go into labour.

Read about the 5 positive ways to prepare for labour.

Our midwife Sophie says,

"We at Tommy's know that there will always be an element of anxiety or nerves in the run up to a woman's labour and birth. Yes, we don't know exactly how things will go, but what is important to remember is that our bodies are designed to birth our babies and midwives are well-trained in facilitating that process. Keeping an open mind about what type of pain relief you want or about the path that your labour and birth may take you on, will help you to remain calm, trust in your body's ability and allow nature to take its course. Oxytocin, the love drug which helps your body to produce effective contractions, can be inhibited by fear, so the best thing is to try to remain calm, let your partner and midwife support you in whatever way you wish for and look forward to meeting your beautiful baby."

If you're interested in trying mindfulness during your pregnancy, you could ask your GP for a recommendation or search for qualified teachers online. There are also many books, websites and apps that can be used to get you started with mindfulness.
Read more about mindfulness on the NHS website

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Study shows benefits of mindfulness in pregnancy

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Taking part in a mindfulness course during pregnancy has been shown in a recent study to reduce the fear of labour, decrease the use of pain relief and lower the risk of postnatal depression. Participants in the study were assigned to either mindfulness training or traditional childbirth classes.

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A wealth of resources available from antenatal care, to infant feeding, to relationship building with baby:

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Baby Friendly Resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Our resources for health professionals and parents provide information and advice on a range of issues around caring for babies and families.

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Our impact

We have reached more than 3 million families across the UK.

We have trained and supported over a thousand professionals to use our resources with the families they support

We have successfully integrated Baby Buddy into more than 27 localities of maternity care pathways across the UK

Make a donation

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We have reached more than 3 million families across the UK. We have trained and supported over a thousand professionals to use our resources with the families they support We have successfully integrated Baby Buddy into more than 27 localities of maternity care pathways across the UK Make a donation

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Gay and lesbian parents have been around for a very long time. But until the late 20th century, most of then kept their sexual orientation a secret for both their own and their children's sake. Today, gay and lesbian parents in the UK have equal legal rights than heterosexual ones and the society is no longer as homophobic as was in the past. Nevertheless, gay and lesbian parents face a number of issues that are virtually unknown to heterosexual families.

The public view of gays and lesbians raising children, adopting and fostering has without a doubt changed dramatically in the last few years. But there are still many people who view gay and lesbian parenting as unnatural and even harmful for children despite the fact that most studies demonstrated that there are any significant developmental differences between children from heterosexual and those from homosexual families. Besides the usual parenting issues that are experienced by all parents regardless of their sexual orientation, most gay and lesbian parents also have concerns about the negative attitudes towards their sexual orientation affecting their children.

Some of the most commonly reported concerns by gay and lesbian parents include:
Children will be teased or bullied by other children at school.
Kids can be very cruel and sometimes an unconventional name or physical characteristic such as a bigger nose is all that is needed for a child to be teased or bullied his/her entire childhood. The number one concern for gay and lesbian parents is therefore that their children will be teased or bullied due to their sexual orientation.

Children/their family will be excluded from school and extra-curricular activities.

Despite the fact that same-sex families are legally equal to heterosexual ones, many gay and lesbian parents worry that disclosure of their sexual orientation may result in exclusion of their children and their families from school and extra-curricular activities.
Children will have to answer difficult questions.
Many gay and lesbian parents said they worry that family related questions may make their children feel uncomfortable or even ashamed.
Children will blame them for being "different".
Although kids generally like to stand out and be different from other children, some homosexual parents worry that their children will hold their sexual orientation against them or blame them for being "different".

Unfortunately, many gay and lesbian parents' concerns aren't unjustified. Their children are indeed more likely to be teased or bullied at school, face discrimination and other issues along the way. But if they are prepared for the challenges they may face, how to deal with them and above all, that they can always count on unconditional love and support from their mums or dads, they will do just fine.

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Gay and lesbian parents have been around for a very long time. But until the late 20th century, most of then kept their sexual orientation a secret for both their own and their children's sake. Today, gay and lesbian parents in the UK have equal legal rights than heterosexual ones and the society is no longer as homophobic as was in the past.

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Pandas Dads is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Pandas Dads and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected.

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Refuge Against Domestic Violence - Help for women & children.

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Refuge supports women,children & men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services. For support, call our Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

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National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline

Emotional and practical support for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse isn't always physical- it can be psychological, emotional, financial and sexual too. Speak out, don't suffer in silence.
Opening Times:
1pm - 5pm Tuesday is trans specific service.
Online chat:
3pm- 7pm Saturday
3pm- 7pm Sunday

If you are in London, the LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership can help too. The DAP is made up of 4 LGBT agencies who each provide different services for LGBT victims/survivors of domestic abuse. With one phone call, you will be linked in with Galop, Stonewall Housing, LGBT Switchboard, and London Friend. You'll have access to a range of services including:

Advice and safety planning

Housing advice, including options on finding safe accommodation

Emotional support

Free one-to-one Counselling

Support and assistance with dealing with the police

Help reporting incidents

Legal advice on civil or criminal protection (e.g., non-molestation orders)

Support through civil and criminal court system

Help finding solicitors

Advice on child safety and child contact issues

Specific support around sexual abuse

Translation service available to those who do not have English as a first language

To get started with the LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership, contact Galop on 0207 704 2040 or fill out a referral form. You can explore your options with a specialist worker and receive immediate assistance if necessary.

Domestic abuse is any kind of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between people who have been intimate partners or family members. This includes forced marriage, abuse relating to gender identity or sexuality and so-called honour based violence. Domestic abuse can occur between current or former intimate partners, in the home, or in the family.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. Find out how to tell if you're experiencing it and what to do if you are.

Does your partner, ex-partner, or a family member:

Call you names, threaten to 'out' you, or use put-downs?

Use your gender or sexuality as a basis for threats or harm?

Damage your property?

Threaten to harm you or others that you love?

Control your access to money?

Make unwanted advances or force you into unwanted sexual contact?

Hit, shove, grab, kick, throw things, or use other forms of physical violence on you?

Control your contact with friends, family, work, or the LGBT 'scene'?

Threaten to harm themselves if you leave or seek help?

If so, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. Get in touch for support and to explore your options.

Click for information on:

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Emotional and practical support for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse isn't always physical- it can be psychological, emotional, financial and sexual too. Speak out, don't suffer in silence. Opening Times: 1pm - 5pm Tuesday is trans specific service. Online chat: 3pm- 7pm Saturday 3pm- 7pm Sunday If you are in London, the LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership can help too.

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Herts Sunflower is a service supporting people who have been abused or people who know someone who has been abused. Get help and advice if you're suffering from domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse, forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, honour based abuse or you're an abuser and need help.

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The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline

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Our Vision is for the world to be free of domestic abuse.

Our Mission is to eliminate domestic abuse through awareness and education, and to support those in need through our confidential listening and signposting service across Hertfordshire.

Whether directly serving victim-survivors, perpetrators or their families, or indirectly to professionals, we provide a safe space for people to discuss their situation. Through our comprehensive and unique understanding of local resources, we provide the information they need to take control, to feel empowered to take the next step. Our commitment is to always 'put the caller at the heart of our service'.

The Helpline is a registered charity and its services contribute to the countywide drive to reduce DA, FGM, Forced Marriage, Honour Based Abuse and Domestic Homicide under the Herts Sunflower Partnership.

You can contact us by phone on 08 088 088 088 or, if you prefer, email us on kim@mailpurple.org but please be careful to cover your tracks.

Our Privacy Policy can be viewed here.

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Our Vision is for the world to be free of domestic abuse. Our Mission is to eliminate domestic abuse through awareness and education, and to support those in need through our confidential listening and signposting service across Hertfordshire. Whether directly serving victim-survivors, perpetrators or their families, or indirectly to professionals, we provide a safe space for people to discuss their situation.

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See if you are eligible for these vouchers here:

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Applying online

If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if:

you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old

your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment

If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if:

your family's annual income is £16,190 or less

you do not get Working Tax Credit

Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online. You can apply online if you're either:

more than 10 weeks pregnant and have children under the age of 4

not pregnant but have children under the age of 4

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older, you'll need to apply by email or phone.

To apply online, you'll need your:

name

address

date of birth

National Insurance number

baby's due date (if you're pregnant)

benefit award letter if you're over 18 - make sure you enter the exact details shown on your benefit award letter

Make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC or DWP - you may wish to contact them to check or update your details before you apply.

Applying by email or phone

You can apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4 years old, and get either:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)

You can also apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and either:

under 18 years old and not getting any benefits

getting Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you get Child Tax Credit, you'll need to apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older.

You can apply by either:

Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Find out about call charges (opens in a new tab).

If you're not a British citizen but your child is

You might be eligible for Healthy Start depending on your immigration status.

You can get Healthy Start if all the following are true:

Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or your online immigration status (opens in a new tab) will say if you cannot claim public funds. You might also have a letter from the Home Office about it.

To apply for Healthy Start, ask for an application form via email. Only use this email address if you think you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status.
Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk

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If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if: you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if: your family's annual income is £16,190 or less you do not get Working Tax Credit Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online.

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We are delighted to have been nominated for Best Campaign for the 2021 UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and Best Community Group for this years Glomama Awards! Our very own wonderful and inspiring members Raindrops to Rainbows have also been nominated for Best Community Group , which is hugely deserved. And the hugely inspiring Continue reading "Vote for Us !"

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We are delighted to have been nominated for Best Campaign for the 2021 UK Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and Best Community Group for this years Glomama Awards! Our very own wonderful and inspiring members Raindrops to Rainbows have also been nominated for Best Community Group , which is hugely deserved.

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The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a charity and coalition of over 100 organisations working together with experts by experience and clinicians to achieve our shared vision and improve the lives of women and families in the UK affected by perinatal mental illness.
Our vision

To see all women across the UK get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental health during pregnancy and postnatally.

Find out about perinatal mental health services in the UK.

Who we are

A coalition of 100 national member organisations, lived experience champions and clinicians, working collaboratively to improve perinatal mental health care for women and families in the UK.

MMHA members and champions are supported by a small dedicated staff team and Board of trustees.

Meet the team.

What we do

We bring the sector together to speak with one voice and campaign for all women throughout the UK who experience a perinatal mental illness to receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.

By working collectively to maximise our resources as an alliance, we harness our organisational, personal and professional expertise, energy and passion to drive change for women and families.

Read about the Everyone's Business Campaign and take action.

Our values

Our staff and trustees are guided by a strong set of core principles.

Read about our values and beliefs.

Our history

The MMHA was founded in 2011 by people who understood the direct impact of perinatal mental illness, including clinicians, parents, academics, voluntary and community sector organisations. We have worked together for 10 years with a shared determination to improve mental health support for women and families across the UK.

Find out more about the history of the MMHA.

Our funders

With thanks to our funders, Comic Relief, The National Lottery, and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for making our work possible.

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About the Maternal Mental Health Alliance

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The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a charity and coalition of over 100 organisations working together with experts by experience and clinicians to achieve our shared vision and improve the lives of women and families in the UK affected by perinatal mental illness.

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Having a mental health diagnosis should not affect your infant feeding choices.  There are some medications that are not always compatible with exclusive breastfeeding, but these are rare.  Please talk to us, your community midwife or our friendly Infant Feeding team for further information.

We are here to support you with your infant feeding choices and are available to talk though any questions you may have or potential barriers you may envisage.  Together we can develop plans and strategies to help you fulfil your infant feeding goals.

Our infant feeding specialist midwives are Jenny Larkins and Cat Crossan.

If you feel you would like further information, please contact your community midwife and she can arrange for one of the team to contact you.

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La Leche League GB - Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards

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Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onward.

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ABM are a group of trained volunteers dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and their families. We've been supporting mums and nurturing families for almost 40 years. We'd love you to join us. Become a member of the ABM and help us continue our work.

As well as supporting breastfeeding mums, we offer training for mothers, families and healthcare professionals who want to further their knowledge. Many of our breastfeeding counsellors are mums who've benefited from ABM support and now want to share their knowledge and experience.

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ABM are a group of trained volunteers dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mums and their families. We've been supporting mums and nurturing families for almost 40 years. We'd love you to join us. Become a member of the ABM and help us continue our work.

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Mental health is as important as physical health.  It is sometimes referred to as 'emotional health' or 'wellbeing'.  Mental health concerns can range from more common concerns such as anxiety and depression to less common conditions such as schizophrenia and postpartum psychosis.  Pregnancy may exacerbate these conditions. When our mental health is poor, we may find it harder to focus, to relate to our pregnancy/baby or cope with every day thoughts and tasks. 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health concerns in their life time.  27% of women will experience mental health concerns during the perinatal period. The perinatal period is defined as the period from pregnancy conception to your child's second birthday.

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

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According to NHS England, 27% of women experience at least one poor mental health episode during the perinatal period.  Pregnancy and parenthood, no matter how longed for, can be a period of extreme change.  Often this unexpectedly affects our mental health or can exacerbate pre existing mental health concerns, additionally historic mental health concerns may be trigged/resurface.

We absolutely want you to enjoy pregnancy and parenthood, therefore, it is important to reach out for help if you feel your mental health is not as it should be.  We are here to help!

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Below you will find factsheets on common mental health medications prescribed in pregnancy, including their effects on breastfeeding.  This list is not exhaustive, if you are taking a different medication either speak to your consultant or contact us directly and we will contact our pharmacist and psychiatrist for further information.

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Introducing the perinatal mental health midwifery team at East and North Herts Trust:

Rohan McCarty

Lead perinatal mental health midwife

Monday to Thursday 0800-1630

Anna Matthews

Deputy perinatal mental health midwife

Monday to Friday 0700-1600

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We liaise closely with regional organisations including the Community Perinatal Team, the Talking Therapies service (HPFT) and Community Mental Health Services; contributing towards the  personalised care for women within our trust.  We provide support through developing pregnancy and birth plans with women and their partners, also attending joint clinic appointments with the wider mental health services.  Furthermore, we support community midwives and hospital based midwives in providing enhanced midwifery care as appropriate.

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Other services offered by Talking Therapies

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Other services offered by Talking Therapies

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Clink on the image below to take you direct to the referral page, whether you are in North and East Herts or West Herts.

It is quick and easy to do, you can also contact your GP for referral and also discuss referral with your community midwife.

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pick up a self referral form from your GP surgery or ask your GP to make a referral for you

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Within Long-term Physical Health presentations, we recognise that our mental health can play a role in our physical health in relation to the symptoms that we experience and the impact this has on our ability to attend to our physical health the best we can.

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Bedfordshire Talking Therapies | East London NHS Foundation Trust

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We provide support to individuals with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and relational therapies through individual or group sessions.

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Contact NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies

T 0300 300 0055
Phone lines are operational:
9am-4pm, Monday to Friday (closed Bank Holidays)

E SPAtalkingtherapies@cpft.nhs.uk

Please note, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies is not a crisis or emergency service and cannot provide an urgent response. If you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support, please contact our First Response Service on 111, then select the option for mental health.

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NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies

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NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies makes psychological or talking therapies more accessible to people experiencing common mental health problems.