You can then scroll down to see information, resources, and the support available to you in relation to each topic.

You may have mixed emotions and it’s common for people to experience mental health problems during pregnancy and/or after the birth of a baby.

It’s important to talk to your midwife, GP or health visitor about how you feel early so you can get help sooner.

Please tell your midwife or obstetrician if you:

• have current or previous mental health concerns

• feel your mental health is deteriorating during pregnancy or after your baby’s born.

The team works closely with maternity, perinatal mental health and other healthcare professionals to help ensure you get the support that’s right for you.

Where appropriate, the specialist mental health midwives can offer:

• assessment

• advice

• care planning

• signposting

• referrals to other services, including therapeutic support or a medication review where indicated

Buckinghamshire Perinatal Mental Health Service - Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Tel: 01865 901749
Referrals email: oxfordhealth.bperinatalreferrals@nhs.net

Self-refer on 01865 901600 or online.

Your partner can refer themselves to these services too. Remember to mention on your self-referral about your baby as this will prioritise your referral.

Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies Healthy Minds team also work with the health visiting team to offer a Postnatal Wellbeing Support Group. A 10-week course based on CBT strategies can help manage postnatal anxiety and depression.

A rapid response service providing immediate support alongside the Perinatal Mental Health specialist team. They’ll accept calls from you, your partner or someone concerned for your immediate mental health.

Safe Haven

Aylesbury - 01296 453017

High Wycombe - 01494 218098

Open 7 nights a week and offers a calm space and support.

Emergency Department

In a crisis, the Emergency Department is there for you

Samaritans - 116 123 
A free, confidential, anonymous text support service available 24/7.

Or text SHOUT to 85258 to share what’s worrying you.

Self-refer on 0300 365 2000 or online 

Hertfordshire Wellbeing Service

Call 0800 6444 101 or refer online 

Oxfordshire Talking Space Plus

Self-refer on 01865 901222 or online

-Housing

-Employment

-Debt

Cry-sis Helpline - 0800 448 0737

Lines open 7 days a week 9am - 10pm

• significant birth trauma

• emotional distress

Self-refer on 01865 901600 or online.

Who it’s for

The service is for women who have given birth with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust within the past 12 months. We can’t accept referrals after this point unless you’re currently pregnant.

Whilst we can share feedback with colleagues, Birth Reflections is not a complaints service. If you wish to make a complaint, or feel that your care warrants further investigation email bht.pals@nhs.net or call 01296 831120.

Contact Bucks Talking Therapy for specialist support if you’re experiencing:

• significant birth trauma

• emotional distress.

You’ll need to do this before booking a birth reflections appointment.

You may also have previous traumatic experiences which resurface during pregnancy or the postnatal period.

If this is something you are experiencing, the resources below may be helpful.

It is estimated to affect 2.5%–14% and may start pre-pregnancy, or develop after a traumatic pregnancy/birth.

It is more common than depression, affecting 13% of women, though some people experience both.

Below are some resources you may find helpful.

Please speak to your GP or obstetrician to help you balance the possible risks to your baby against the benefits of taking your medication. This is to help you come to your own decision about what's best for you.

Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, often with mania, depression or confusion. It can get worse very quickly and should always be treated as a medical emergency.

If you don't feel an attachment to your bump or your baby, that is ok - every parent/caregiver will bond at their own pace, but it is important to speak to seek support.

Parents may need support for a variety of reasons, including isolation, postnatal depression, bereavement, caring for a child with an illness or disability, the demands of caring for young children or multiples, relationship difficulties, exhaustion, depression, or the parent’s own illness or disability.