The Leeds Perinatal Mental Health Service provides specialist support for women experiencing significant mental health difficulties during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth.
Referrals to the service must be made by a health professional, such as a GP, midwife, health visitor, obstetrician, psychiatrist, or community mental health team. Self-referrals are not accepted.
Having a baby can be an incredible experience, but it’s also common for both mums and dads to face challenges with their mental health. Support is available, and the service encourages anyone struggling to seek help for themselves or someone they know.
Perinatal mental health difficulties are common, and many women can manage them with support from their GP, health visitor, or local counselling services. However, the Leeds Perinatal Mental Health Service offers care for women with more complex mental health needs or when other services have not resolved their difficulties.
The service may be suitable for women who:
- Have a history of serious mental health difficulties and are planning a pregnancy or are currently pregnant.
- Have a family history of serious mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis, which could increase their risk of becoming unwell during pregnancy or after giving birth.
- Are currently experiencing mental health difficulties that a GP or obstetric team believe would benefit from specialist intervention.