Parent Infant Psychology Service (PIPS)

Parent Infant Psychology Service (PIPS)

Main Address

We are a team that helps parents or guardians with infants under two years old and those who are expecting a baby. We are clinical psychologists and a parent infant psychotherapist and have been working with families for many years.

What we do

Many parents struggle when they are expecting a baby or after their baby has been born. Some have relationship difficulties with their child, partner or other family members, or worry they are not going to be a good parent. We understand how hard this time of life can be and we aim to help you understand your baby and relationships better and to support you with your feelings.
Whether you feel overwhelmed, tired or helpless, we can reassure you that those feelings are very common, and that by chatting about them with us, we can often help.

Parents often say:

“Why am I feeling tearful and down? I thought this would be a time of happiness.”

“I had a tough with my parents and having a child has brought back difficult memories.”

“Why is my child clingy and hard to comfort?”

“I am not getting on with my partner at the moment and I am worried it will affect my baby.”

“The birth was traumatic and I would like to talk it through with someone.”
 
If you feel the same about any of those feelings, it does not make you a bad parent. Parenthood can be tough and everyone needs support. Talking to someone outside of your family or friendship circle can be really helpful.
At a first meeting, we’ll think together what kind of support is best for you. If PIPS is right for you, we may then spend some time looking at how you and your baby or your family relate to each other. Your therapist will share thoughts about what might be happening and offer a safe space to think, without judgement.

Who refers parents to our service?

Health visitors, midwives, mental health workers or Outreach workers in Children’s Centres may refer you to us. After we’ve met, we will send them a brief summary of our work together. If we are worried about your safety or your child’s, we will chat to you about what other agencies may be able to help.

What parents have said
"Thank you so much... This year has been one of the hardest I've ever had to deal with and you helped me so much!”

“I feel that things have totally changed for me and my daughter since PIPS’ input - thank you!”

Appointments

  • At local Health Centres (Bounds Green, Hornsey or Tottenham), Children’s Centres & Family Hubs
  • Some GP surgeries (clinic run by Whittington Health)
  • Virtual sessions (must be first agreed with therapist)
  • Home visits (must be first agreed with therapist)

Lead manager

Dr Paula Magee

Further Information

Families with infants up to 2 years old, living in Haringey can receive our service. You can make contact with PIPS by asking your Health Visitor, Midwife, Mental Health Worker, GP or at your local Children’s Centre or Family Hub. An information leaflet describing our offer to parents can be downloaded here.


Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Referrals are accepted from health visitors, midwives, mental health workers or Outreach workers in Children’s Centres.


An information leaflet describing our offer to parents can be downloaded here.


Last updated03 Aug 2023
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