What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health issues

Are those that can happen during pregnancy or within the first year after a baby is born. They can affect as many as 1 in 4 new mums, and mums-to-be and can include a variety of different conditions. It is important to remember that if you or someone you know is experiencing these, you are not alone, and help is available.

• Feeling depressed after childbirth
• Postnatal depression
• Mental health in pregnancy
• Bourne this way LGBTQ+ parent support group
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance
• Self-refer to mental health services in Sussex
• West Sussex talking therapies

* Health in mind – birthing people AND THEIR PARTNERS are given priority in pregnancy and in the first year after birth and are offered an assessment appointment within two weeks of referral to discuss how they can help

Mental wellbeing tips

Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing is crucial for us all

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for enhancing mental health. Regular practice can help increase self-awareness, promote relaxation, and improve concentration. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common complaints during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Mindfulness and meditation can help foster a greater sense of inner peace and emotional resilience, equipping us to handle life’s challenges better.

• More Mindfulness and meditation videos

If you just need to talk, any time of day or night

Free listening services

These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that is troubling you, no matter how difficult:

• Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
• Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19

If you are under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.

These services will only share your information if they are very worried about you or think you are in immediate danger.

International Day of the midwife

The International Day of the Midwife is annually celebrated on 5 May

The day was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to celebrate and raise awareness about the midwifery profession.

Thank you to all our midwifery staff!

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

A new section dedicated to pelvic health.

What is a pelvic floor? Advice following a 3rd or 4th-degree tear and bladder training information are just three of the many topics discussed and explained in this new section. Follow the link to find out more and to self-refer to the pelvic health physiotherapy team.