During pregnancy and after your baby is born (the postnatal period), it is common for people to experience changes in their mood and emotions. Some people may feel low, anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed at times.
We know how difficult it can be to open up to someone you don’t know. Some people worry that staff will judge them, or think that they are not coping and are not a good parent. We want to reassure you that it is very normal to face challenges with your mental health during this time, and we are here to support you through this.
Your midwife, GP, or health visitor can talk with you about how you are feeling and help you access the right support for you. This may include talking therapies, peer support, or specialist mental health services if needed. Getting support early can make a positive difference for both you and your baby.
If you are already receiving mental health support when you become pregnant, we can work together with you and your existing care team to make sure your care continues in a joined-up and supportive way during pregnancy and after birth.
There are a range of specialist services available to support mental health during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Your midwife can talk through these options with you so you can choose the support that feels right for you, which may include a combination of services.
Specialist mental health support
Perinatal Mental Health Midwifery Team
A dedicated midwifery team that supports people during pregnancy with mental health needs. If your midwife feels a referral to this team would be helpful, they will discuss this with you at your first appointment.
Perinatal Mental Health Service
This specialist service is run by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and offers support for moderate to severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy and after birth, including therapy and treatment options. Information is also available in multiple languages and British Sign Language (BSL).
PATHS Service (West Yorkshire PATHS)
A specialist psychological and midwifery service offering support for people experiencing moderate to severe mental health needs related to:
- Birth trauma or trauma from maternity/neonatal care
- Severe fear of birth
- Pregnancy or baby loss (up to 1 year after loss)
- Loss during fertility treatment
- Separation from a baby due to care proceedings
Additional services
Birth Reflections Service
Our Birth Reflections service is not a mental health support service, but it offers an opportunity to talk through your birth experience with a specialist midwife, which can help if you have questions, distress, or difficult feelings about your birth. You can self-refer by emailing: [email protected]
OPAL Clinic – Personalised Care and Choice Midwifery Service
OPAL is a midwifery service supporting people with anxiety, tokophobia (fear of birth), or previous traumatic birth experiences, to help with personalised care planning and birth choices. You can be referred by your midwife to see the team if:
- you have previous traumatic birth experience
- this is your first pregnancy and you have significant anxiety or fear of birth (tokophobia)
- You are considering an elective caesarean birth due to previous trauma or distressing experiences
Support is available, and you will be listened to, treated with care, and supported to find the right help for you.
Mental Health Services and Groups
Baby Steps
Baby Steps will support you during pregnancy and the first few months of your baby’s life. It includes a home visit, 6 weekly group sessions before your baby is born and 3 more sessions after birth. Your midwife can refer you early in your pregnancy.
Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS)
LMWS provides a wide range of perinatal support, working together to help you in the best way possible. To access support, you can refer yourself to LMWS by completing the online form, or speak to your GP or midwife. Support is available online and face-to-face.
Make an online referral to LMWSPregnancy in Mind group support
Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) offers free online group support to help you manage difficult feelings you may be experiencing. Your partner can also be referred for support. See Pregnancy in Mind, phone 01274 381 440 or email ‘hello’ to [email protected] for more information.
Infant Mental Health Team
The Infant Mental Health Team are health professionals who have experience and training in helping parents, and carers to support their babies and toddlers with their feelings and relationship. You can receive support during pregnancy or at any time up to your baby’s second birthday. Your midwife or health visitor can make a referral to this service for you.
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing
You may also find our taking care of your emotional wellbeing leaflet useful for details of support services or you can visit mental health and pregnancy for more information.
Perinatal Home Visiting Service
If you’re feeling low, anxious, or isolated during pregnancy or early parenthood, trained volunteers offer friendly, confidential support right in your home. With over 30 years of experience, the Home-Start team understand the highs and lows of parenting.
Call: 0113 244 2419
Email: [email protected]
Website: Home-Start Leeds
