As many as one in five women experience mental health problems during pregnancy and in the first year after their baby’s birth.

Improving access to psychological therapy (IAPT ) services give priority to pregnant women and new parents who may need extra support.  The information includes details of the types of talking therapy provided by IAPT, information about how women and new parents can self-refer themselves and contact details for all London IAPT services.

The types of therapy offered vary depending on each local IAPT service but can include guided self-help sessions with a therapist, cognitive behaviour therapy, couples therapy and counselling.

This information is designed for pregnant women or parents with a baby under the age of one who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties such as depression or anxiety.

It has been sent to all London GPs, midwives, children’s centres and health visitors so they can print it off and share it with anyone who needs extra support.

This has developed in collaboration with the London IAPT leads and the London Perinatal Mental Health Network, and supported by Healthy London Partnership and London Clinical Networks.

Download the leaflet: Help and emotional support during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby

Download the Perinatal mental health services for London: guide for commissioners

Read this blog by Emma Fox, mother of two children,  who talks about her experience and why she’s so passionate about improving perinatal mental health services.

Watch a short animation about building better perinatal mental health services in London.

For more information about the leaflet or the work of our mental health programme please email hlp.mhtransformationlondon@nhs.net