A number of mental health issues can affect mothers, their babies and their families. This new guidance from the DH provides a pathway to help professionals support mental health and wellbeing, from pregnancy through the early months after birth.

The pathway is primarily aimed at health visitors but will also be useful for midwives, mental health professionals, those working in general practice and the third sector.

The 8-page PDF pathway:

• Sets out the benefits and principles for health visitors, midwives, specialist mental health services and GPs working together in pregnancy and the first postnatal year, as the basis for the detailed local pathway to meet the physical and mental health and wellbeing needs of parents, babies and families
• Builds on good practice and evidence drawn from the professions
• Outlines the challenges and potential opportunities
• Endorses the practice of joint working and encourages an integrated approach to service delivery

Link

Maternal mental health pathway (PDF). Department of Health, 9 Aug 2012.