Support is being offered to women and families across the region to help with their mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and after the birth of a child.

Humber Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership’s specialist perinatal mental health team, covering Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire, is re-launching the Every Mum Matters campaign which offers guidance and signposting for further help.

The campaign aims to support new and expectant mums and their families to be able to recognise symptoms of perinatal mental health problems early and encourage them to seek help quickly.

Perinatal mental health issues (those which occur during pregnancy or during the baby’s first year) affect one-in-five women, but with the right support and interventions many issues are treatable. Recognising the signs early and seeking support quickly improves recovery and outcomes for mums and their babies.

The campaign recognises that having a baby is a major life event for mums and partners and it is common to experience a range of emotions during and after pregnancy. Health professionals say that when feelings start to have an impact on day-to-day life, it is time to talk to someone.

The Every Mum Matters website aims to raise awareness of perinatal mental health problems, start conversations, reduce stigma and encourage women to come forward to get help.

Emma Tomlinson, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Nurse said: “The campaign focuses on supporting and empowering expectant and new mums to recognise and seek support for their mental health within this perinatal period.

We aim to support women who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health in pregnancy and post-birth. It can be a scary time for mums and can evoke anxiety and impact on mood. If this is recognised early on, support can be put into place to help towards a successful recovery.”

Covid-19 has also had a significant impact on pregnant women and new mums, who have dealt with changes to maternity services, reduced face-to-face appointments and a decrease in family support due to restrictions and lockdowns.

To read the full story, please click here.