Addiction and child removal

For many women, pregnancy and the postnatal period can be challenging for their mental health. But for those navigating addiction, it can bring immense difficulty, compounded by stigma, lack of support and, in serious cases, the trauma of child removal.

At the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), we know that these experiences can have a profound and lasting impact on a mother’s mental health. Women facing addiction during the perinatal period are among the most judged and misunderstood, yet they remain one of the least supported groups.

Key statistics

Only 11/41

Maternal Mental Health Services in England support women whose child has been removed

40%

of women with substance use issues avoid seeking help due to fear of judgment or consequences

Poorer outcomes

Women who experience addiction and child removal are more likley to have life-threatening perinatal mental health issues

Read our briefing

The link between addiction and maternal mental health

Substance misuse and mental health challenges are deeply connected, yet care for these issues is often siloed. Many women turn to substances as a way to cope with past trauma or untreated mental health difficulties. During pregnancy and early motherhood, the lack of integrated support can worsen outcomes for both mother and baby.

Barriers to care: Women with addiction often encounter judgment and stigma when accessing services, leading to delays in treatment or inadequate care.

Missed opportunities: Pregnancy and the postnatal period are critical times to provide mental health support, yet many women report feeling invisible or dismissed by professionals.

Trauma of child removal: For some women, the loss of a child through care proceedings deepens feelings of failure and despair, exacerbating their mental health struggles.

I used drugs to cope because there was no other support. When my child was removed, no one helped me understand what I was feeling or how to get through it.

Stigma

Stigma remains a significant barrier for women facing addiction. Many feel judged not only for their substance use but also for their parenting. This shame often prevents women from seeking help, leaving them isolated and unsupported.

I kept trying so hard to do the right thing, but it never seemed to be good enough.

What needs to change

Women navigating addiction during the perinatal period deserve compassionate, trauma-informed care. Based on our listening project, they need:

Integrated support services that address both mental health and substance misuse together, recognising how closely these issues are linked.
Training for the health and social care professionals supporting them to improve understanding of the complexities of addiction, mental health, and trauma, and facilitate non-judgmental, effective care.
Advocacy and peer support to help them navigate complex systems and feel less alone.

Talking to others who’ve been through similar experiences made me feel less ashamed and more hopeful.

Every woman deserves to feel supported and seen during her journey into motherhood, no matter her circumstances. Addressing the inequalities faced by women experiencing addiction and child removal is critical to improving maternal mental health outcomes.

Discover the research

Black maternal mental health

In the UK, significant disparities exist in maternal health outcomes between Black women and birthing people compared to their white counterparts, particularly concerning mental health and access to care.

Domestic abuse

There is a gap in consistent professional enquiry and curiosity about domestic abuse. There is also a gap in knowledge about the role of health professionals and their responsibilities regarding domestic abuse, signs of abuse and links to trauma.

Young mums

Historically, much of the conversation around young motherhood has focused on preventing teenage pregnancies, and as a result, little attention has been paid to the needs of young parents.