The Toolkit

• Cisnormativity: assumption that everyone is cisgender, i.e. people whose gender matches the body they were born with.

• Continuity of care: ensuring someone receives consistent care from the same healthcare professional or team throughout their treatment.

• Evergreen content: content which remains relevant, such as FAQs, statistics and broad statements.

• Futureproofing: considering someone’s future situation as well as their current one. For example, knowing that a child might see their mother's story online later could change what is written about her, listen and understand the specific needs of the person sharing their story.

• Gatekeeping: the act of trying to control who gets particular resources, power, or opportunities, and who does not.

• Heteronormativity: concept that heterosexuality is preferred or normal mode of sexual orientation.

• Neurodivergent: describes someone whose brain functions in a way that is not deemed ‘normal’ (neurotypical). This can include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and others.

• Neurodiverse: describes a group of neurodivergent people, or a mix of neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

• Perinatal mental health: you may have heard the terms "perinatal mental health" and "maternal mental health" used interchangeably. Both refer to mental health during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth.

• Safe space: a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.

• Systemic change: a change which affects the whole system, not just individual parts of the system.

• Systemic racism: the oppression of a racial group to the advantage of another as perpetuated by inequity within interconnected systems (such as political, economic, and social systems).

• Trauma-informed care: understanding how people and their behaviours are shaped by traumatic experiences.  

• Many of the suggestions in this resource can be used across the UK, however, we acknowledge that there are differences between the four nations.

• If the content of this resource causes you to think of anything that has happened to you or someone you know and you feel upset, worried or uncomfortable, please see our support page for a list of services who may be able to help.

• This resource uses the term ‘mothers’ and ‘mums’, but we recognise that perinatal mental health issues affect women, gender diverse individuals and people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is vital that care systems take an inclusive approach to provide support to all birthing people for their mental health and wellbeing.

• Where possible, this resource replicates the language used by specific organisations and groups in relation to race and ethnicity.

• Subject to funding, it may be possible to translate the toolkit into different languages in future.

• Please note the MMHA is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Contact info@maternalmentalhealthalliance.org if you have any questions about the toolkit or suggestions for content.

A huge thank you to everyone who has provided content, attended workshops, given feedback and contributed to the Amplifying Maternal Voices Toolkit in other ways.

Thanks goes to the MMHA Lived Experience Champions who have been part of the process at every stage and have helped ensure the insightful voice of lived and living experience has informed the work.

Our gratitude also goes to the following organisations who have shared their expertise so generously:

• Acacia Family Support
• Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)
• Approachable Parenting
• Association of South Asian Midwives (ASAM)
• Babyzone Croydon
• Best Beginnings
• Birmingham Maternity Voices Partnership
• Birth Companions
• Birthrights
• Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
• Croydon BME Forum
• Croydon Home-Start
• Croydon Maternity Voices Partnership
• Croydon Mencap
• Croydon Voluntary Action
• Family Action
• Happy Baby Community
• Healthwatch
• Hearts and Minds Partnership
• Maternity Engagement Action
• Muslim Women’s Network UK
• Parents 1^st
• Refugee Women Connect
• The Motherhood Group

We'd also like to thank the healthcare professionals across Birmingham and Croydon who supported this work, and for all they do to care for families.