New Mums Will Be Able To Access Counselling Via Skype In Perinatal Mental Heath Services Boost | HuffPost Life

'Improving care, investment and focus is crucial.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

New mothers and mums-to-be suffering from pre- and postnatal depression will be able to have counselling online via Skype, as part of a boost to NHS mental health services.

NHS England has invested £23m extra funding, which they say will be made available over the next few months, to improve the mental health of at least 3,000 pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.

“With so many new mums having the joy of motherhood interrupted by mental ill health, improving care, investment and focus on this issue, is crucial,” said Claire Murdoch, director of mental health for NHS England.

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NHS England confirmed to HuffPost UK that women who wish to seek help in person will still be able to do so.

“It’s all about getting help in the most convenient way for [the mother],” they said. “Some may prefer this in person and others online via Skype to help them without them having to leave the house or go to any additional bother.”

Murdoch said improving access to mental health care is the foundation of NHS plans to improve services.

“Falling pregnant and becoming a mum is a hugely emotional experience,” she said. “So having expert support available, including working with people’s partners as well as their wider family and social networks, to help manage the upheaval, means that women who are experiencing mental health issues don’t have to suffer and struggle alone.”

The new funding will be used to improve community perinatal services. As well as the Skype service, this also includes recruiting more than 200 specialist staff and opening four new mother and baby units that specialise in the treatment of mothers with their babies when they are suffering with mental illness.

“Falling pregnant and becoming a mum is a hugely emotional experience."”
- Claire Murdoch, director of mental health for NHS England

Commenting on the additional funding for new mums, Mumsnet founder and CEO Justine Roberts said: “The perinatal period can be stressful and demanding, and women who are affected deserve prompt and compassionate professional care.

“When we asked Mumsnet users who had recently given birth about their experience of postnatal care, they told us that mental health services needed more resource.”

Perinatal mental health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby.

A report from August 2017 stated that historically there has been a lack of integrated physical and mental health care in England for women during pregnancy and in the months following birth, as well as a lack of specialist perinatal mental health services to support women who become unwell.

The funding is part of a major five-year programme of £365m investment by NHS England, which they say will see 30,000 women getting specialist mental health care during the early stages of motherhood by 2021.

The Skype service will be rolled out across certain Clinical Commissioning Groups over the next two months. In the meantime pregnant women and mums who are interested in finding out more about the services that are available in their area are advised to speak to their GP.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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