Last updated: 03/11/2021 at 09:15
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:
For health professionals
Mental health
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has produced COVID-19 guidance for clinicians working in community and inpatient services, including perinatal mental health teams and Mother and Baby Units. RCPsych’s guidance has been updated to reflect MBRRACE recommendations relating to perinatal mental health.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has published best practice guidance for working therapeutically with parents and their infants during pregnancy and postpartum using remote delivery platforms.
Maternity
As well as information for pregnant women and their families (see below), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have published joint guidance for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 infection in pregnancy.
The RCM has produced clinical guidance for perinatal mental health care during COVID-19, focussing on identifying, caring for and supporting women at risk of or with pre-existing perinatal mental health problems.
Birth Companions, with support from Consultant Midwife Tamsin Bicknell, have produced guidance for midwives about supporting women facing multiple disadvantages during COVID-19.
Primary care and health visiting
General practice
Several GPs, lead by Dr Louise Santhanam and backed by MMHA member Royal College of General Practitioners, have created guidance for GPs supporting pregnant and postnatal women during COVID-19.
Health visiting
The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is closely following the advice and reports of the UK Government to keep health visitors up-to-date.
For new and expectant parents
The Mental Health Foundation has developed some tips to help people look after their mental health at a time when there is much discussion about our physical health. Tips include: Mind has also produced information to help people cope if they’re feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus, particularly those in isolation. Public Health England has released guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus, including advice for those with specific mental health needs. Please note that the MMHA is not responsible for the content of any of the links above but hopes that they may provide comfort and help at this time.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak