I feel strongly that improving support for women, their partners and families during pregnancy, birth and beyond is vital.
During a recent meeting with the Perinatal Mental Health team at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, I heard some fantastic examples of care.
Perinatal mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma responses and postnatal psychosis, are among the most common complications of pregnancy and early parenthood. They can affect anyone, regardless of background, and their impact extends far beyond the individual, influencing child development, family wellbeing and long‑term health outcomes.
The trust’s services begin pre-conception and run right through to post-natal care and include all members of the family. I was heartened to discuss the support offered to dads, who are often left out of the birth journey, which can have an impact on the family later. Staff showed me materials they use to support partners and talked about the lasting impact on relationships and the wellbeing and development of the child.
The trust has dedicated professionals working hard to meet rising demand for their specialist mental health services, but there are restraints on what they can do that cause frustration.
I’ve written to Baroness Amos, who is leading the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, to raise some of the challenges and invite her to visit the trust’s facilities.
