Psychological and Mental Health Support

Although most parents are relieved to be going home after spending ANY amount of time within Neonatal Services, their experience of that time might affect them in unexpected ways.

If you or your partner appear to be struggling to manage aspects of this experience, it might be a time to look into getting some support to help you manage your feelings.

Options for parents

• It can be helpful to speak with your GP, midwife or Health Visitor in the first instance and they can help you understand what you might need.  They can refer you to several different services depending on what would be most helpful.  They include:
• Perinatal Mental Health Services
• Beacon Mental Health Services
• Self-referral – Worcestershire Talking Therapies offers emotional for new parents from a perinatal mental health champion.
• Bliss charity offers support for parents of premature and sick babies – www.bliss.org.uk

National Charities

• Action on Postpartum Psychosis
• Association for Postnatal Illness
• Maternal OCD
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance
• Maternity Action
• PANDAS offer support for parents with PND and PTSD
• The Motherhood Group support Black mothers through the experience of motherhood through events, workshops, peer support, and advocacy
• Tommys is a charity that supports parents, they focus on support after loss, but have a lot of resources and support available.
• Samaritans provides a confidential listening service you can call them on 116 123.
• Rainbow Trust support families with a seriously ill child
• Anxiety UK have a helpline where you can get support with how you are feeling. 
• Gingerbread provide information and support for single parents
• Twins Trust support for families with twins, triplets and more
• The Lullaby Trust provides information and support on safer sleep for babies.
• Little Lullaby for young parents who would like some support around safer sleep advice, mental health and more.
• Sands support those affected by the death of a baby before or shortly after birth.
• Dads Matters offer lots of support for Fathers through events, workshops and walks.
• Peeps HIE
• Perinatal Mental Health Partnership
• LGBT Mummies offer support, education and advocate for LGBT+ women
• SCOPE provides support for parents who live with a disability
• The Smallest Things Charity provide support with returning to work and around your child starting school.
• AIMS campaign for better births.
• Approachable Parenting support BAME communities
• Birthrights protect human rights in childbirth.

Regional Charities

• Acacia Family Support, Midlands Postnatal Depression Support Services
• Scoo-B-Doo Neonatal Charity, Gloucester
• The Koala Tree CIC, Redditch