-Cheshire & Merseyside Specialist Perinatal Service.

-Organisations that provide information and support

-Local Support Groups

-Helpful Apps

-Perinatal support for partners.

During early pregnancy, most women feel extremely tired and may experience nausea and other physical discomforts because of hormonal changes which is completely normal.

Although many women have good mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy, this can be a time of increased anxieties and emotional adjustment.

Some women may experience ongoing anxiety and/or depression which can lead to more serious mental illness if untreated/unsupported.

Women with a previous history of mental health problems have an increased risk of recurrence during this time, even if they have been well for many years.

There is lots of help available to support your mental health throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.  If you feel you could benefit from one-to-one mental health support you can self-refer to the perinatal mental health midwifery team at The Countess of Chester, or you can ask your midwife, GP or Health Visitor to do this for you.  We are here to help make your pregnancy and transition to parenthood the best it can be for you. 

The Perinatal Mental Health Midwife will:

·         Listen to your concerns in an unhurried environment

·         Give you advice on how to optimise your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy

·         Signpost you to various support networks available in your community

·         Document a personal and individualised plan of care to be filed within your maternity case-notes for other health professionals to refer to

·         Discuss and offer referral to the NHS Talking Therapies or Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team where therapies including counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy  may be available

·         If you are already under the care of a Community Mental Health Team, the perinatal mental health team can review your current plan of care and any medication you may be taking, to ensure you are getting all the support and advice you need to optimise the health and wellbeing of you, your family and your baby.

To contact the team call 01244 365011.