MMHA launch new COVID-19 maternal mental health guidance

These are uncertain times for us all, but particularly those who are expecting or have recently had a baby.

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) does not usually create materials for mums directly, but in these extraordinary times, MMHA members, staff and leading experts have collaborated on guidance to help new and expectant mums protect their mental wellbeing.

Read and share the guidance now >

Now also available in Welsh

In the hope of reaching as many new and expectant mums in the UK as possible with expert information to support their mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMHA guidance is also available in the Welsh language:

Read and share Welsh guidance now >

 

Special thanks to those Maternal Mental Health Alliance members, Everyone’s Business lived experience champions, maternity and maternal mental health professionals who helped produce this guidance.

 

Perinatal mental health services more important now than ever as we emerge from the pandemic

Think piece by Joanne Smith, Everyone’s Business Scotland Coordinator

On World Maternal Mental Health Day, the time is right to reflect on the progress made in Scotland to protect pregnant women, new mums and their babies during the perinatal period.
 

While there have been encouraging signs of progress following the establishment of the perinatal managed clinical network and the perinatal and infant mental health programme board, the levels of specialist provision still falls short in most parts of the country, meaning right now, women and families still face a postcode lottery.

Continue reading Perinatal mental health services more important now than ever as we emerge from the pandemic →

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

What is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week?

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental illness during and after pregnancy.

It’s all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental illness, advocating for women affected by it, and helping them access the information, care and support they need to recover. Continue reading Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 →

The First 1001 Days Movement highlights impact of COVID-19 on parents and babies

Today, the First 1001 Days Movement – which includes over 40 charities and professional bodies – calls on national and local decision makers to give urgent attention to the wellbeing of parents, babies, and toddlers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Led by Maternal Mental Health Alliance member, Parent-Infant Foundation, the movement argues that babies, both born and unborn, and their parents should be given particular attention during this critical period. The potentially serious immediate and long-term consequences of not doing so calls for strong leadership and a concerted, joined-up effort to reduce harm.

Read the full statement

 

COVID-19 information and support from Maternal Mental Health Alliance members

New MMHA guidance on COVID-19 and maternal mental health now available >

Last updated: 12/05/2020 at 10:57

Outbreaks of disease, like coronavirus (COVID-19), can understandably cause worry.

With more than 1 in 10 women developing a mental illness in the perinatal period, it’s even more important in these uncertain times that women during pregnancy and following childbirth are able to access the support and care they and their families need.

Since the outbreak, Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) members across the UK have offered guidance and support: Continue reading COVID-19 information and support from Maternal Mental Health Alliance members →

Winter 2019/20 Everyone’s Business eBulletin out now!

Front cover of the MMHA Everyone's Business Winter 2019/20 eBulletin
Download now

The Everyone’s Business Winter 2019/20 eBulletin contains all the latest campaign news and updates from the UK perinatal mental health (PMH) community, including:

  1. What Northern Ireland’s Executive reinstatement means for women and families
  2. New Government’s promise to make UK the best place in the world to give birth
  3. Existing concerns in Scotland and Wales
  4. Response to MBRRACE-UK’s latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths.

Please share widely among your networks! On Twitter, don’t forget to tag @MMHAlliance and #everyonesbusiness.

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Sign up to our mailing list to recieve our campaign news every quarter, straight to your inbox.

For physical copies, please email sian@maternalmentalhealthalliance.org.

New mothers in England to receive dedicated six-week check

Last week, MMHA member NCT were able to celebrate after hearing the news that NHS England and the British Medical Association have agreed to fund a six-week assessment for mums under the new GP contract. They won’t have to wait long for the change either, as plans come into effect from April 2020. Continue reading New mothers in England to receive dedicated six-week check →

Maternal suicide still the leading cause of death in first postnatal year

Infographic showing key statistics from latest MBRRACE enquiry into maternal deaths

On 13th December 2019, MBRRACE-UK published their latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in the UK and Ireland.

The Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care 2019 report investigates the deaths of women during or up to one year after pregnancy between 2015 and 2017. MBRRACE examines the reasons why each of the women died and what can be done to improve maternity care in the future. Continue reading Maternal suicide still the leading cause of death in first postnatal year →