There will be opportunities to find out more about mental health support for pregnant women and new parents during a week-long series of events starting today (29 April).

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is supporting Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from today to 5 May.

To mark the start of the awareness week, NHFT’s Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service hosted its 3k Wellbeing Walk on Sunday (28 April) in the grounds of popular attraction Delapré Abbey, in Northampton. 

The free walk was an opportunity to meet and talk to some of NHFT’s Specialist Perinatal Mental Health team, and other local services, as well as to connect with families to discuss maternal mental health awareness together.

Anthony Mobee-Dumi from the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health and Maternal Mental Loss Psychology Service, said: "More than 20 per cent of women will experience mental health difficulties during and after pregnancy, and 10 per cent of fathers will struggle with their mental health during their partner’s pregnancy and in early parenthood.

Alongside evidenced based treatment, it is well evidenced that exercising and getting out in nature is an effective way to lift your energy and improve your mood. We hope people bring their families out to join us on the walk; they can even bring a picnic and make the most of it.”

The team is also hosting drop-in events at libraries across Northamptonshire which people can turn up to and get information about maternal mental health support.

NHFT’s Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service provides assessment and treatment for women who are experiencing, or who have an increased risk of experiencing, a moderate to severe mental health condition during pregnancy and up to 12 months after having a baby.

Pre-conception counselling is available for those who have previously experienced a severe mental illness and would like to plan a pregnancy.