Maternal Mental Health

Following the birth of a baby some women can experience feeling low and emotional. This can occur between 4-12 days after childbirth and is often mild and perfectly normal.

Postnatal depression symptoms can occur within the first year of having had your baby and affects between one and four in every 10 women. Symptoms include low mood, feeling emotional and tearful, anxious, and loss of enjoyment in activities that you previously enjoyed.

If you feel you have symptoms of postnatal depression then you may need help from your Health Visitor or GP.

Your health visitor will sensitively discuss your emotional health and wellbeing with you between 6-8 weeks. They will be able to organise extra support for you if you need it. Best Beginnings has several videos relating to maternal mental health.