Support services
Preconception referrals
Any health professional can refer to the specialist perinatal mental health team for pre-conception advice.
Psychological therapy
Trained therapists and counsellors provide a range of different therapies through the NHS, known as IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
These provide talking therapy for people experiencing mild to moderate depression, general anxiety and worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, traumatic memories and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Parents can self-refer to all IAPT services and will be prioritised.
- Knowsley /Sefton/Liverpool/Lancashire: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust | Mindsmatter Homepage (lscft.nhs.uk)
- Sefton: Talking Matters Sefton | Mental Health Matters (mhm.org.uk)
- Knowsley: (IAPT) Knowsley Psychological Therapy Service | The Live Well Directory for Liverpool City Region
- Liverpool: Talk Liverpool – Home Talk Liverpool
- Help and emotional support during first year after having a baby
Specialist perinatal mental health services
If your mental health problems are severe or longer lasting, the maternity team can put you in touch with specialist mental health services.
Women in need of inpatient care for severe mental illness may be referred to a mother and baby unit. These units enable women to stay with their babies while receiving specialist care.
Lancashire
Merseyside
If you or someone you are concerned about are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 999.. Dial 999.
Other support and information
- Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan
- Being pregnant, preparing to give birth
- Being with your baby, becoming a mum
- Post-natal stay at home plan
Mental health problems and pregnancy
Resources for partners and carers
Bonding with your baby
Click here for these resources:
- Why bonding matters
- Bonding before birth
- Understanding baby’s states
- Ideas for early interactions
- Tips for sleeping and soothing.
Eating disorders and pregnancy
Peer support
Peer support brings together people with similar experiences. Your peers can:
- Support you and listen to how you’re feeling
- Offer empathy and understanding
- Share experiences, information, suggestions for self-care and support options
Other sources of help and information