Perinatal Mental Health
At the Whittington, we support you with any additional mental health needs, whether they are ongoing or new in the pregnancy, to make your pregnancy journey a positive experience.
If you need emergency mental health support, please attend the hospital Accident & Emergency department or contact your local CRISIS team. Please click here for contact details.
If you are taking medication in pregnancy, please do not stop your medication until you have had contact with a midwife or doctor who can advise you.
What we offer
We will check in with you about your mental health each time you meet your maternity team during pregnancy. If you are struggling with your mental health, please inform your midwife or GP.
If there are significant concerns about your mental health, your maternity team will refer you to the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service. They will work with your existing team to plan for your care.
If there are significant concerns about your mental health, your maternity team will refer you to the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service. They will work with your existing team to plan for your care.
Services to support your mental health
- Women’s Health Psychology: support for any women or birthing people experiencing emotional difficulties associated with pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
- Women’s Health Birth Trauma: support for women and birthing people with any previous birth trauma.
- NHS Talking Therapies: free psychological therapies for common mental illnesses like stress, anxiety, and depression. You can find out more and self-refer here.
- Parent and Infant Psychology Service (PIPs) : relationship support for parents or guardians with infants under two years old, or who are expecting a baby.
- Maple Service: talking therapy and support for anyone (including fathers and partners) experiencing perinatal trauma.
- Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service : support for women and birthing people with moderate to severe mental health
- Eating Disorders Service: support for people with significant histories of eating disorders. You can also listen to these podcasts to find out more about the various mental health services available.
Referral
You can refer yourself to the Birth Trauma and Women’s Health Psychology services using these links:
For all other services, please speak with your GP or midwife if you would like a referral.
Team
Danielle Hammar – Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife
Irene Gafson – Consultant Obstetrician with a special interest in mental health
Contact
If you have questions or are struggling with your mental health, please contact your midwife. They will refer you to the appropriate mental health service.
Last updated25 Apr 2024