Your mental health
Sometimes we are reluctant to talk honestly about our experiences throughout the pregnancy and after baby is born – just remember you are not alone.
If you need information and resources about how to access services and treatment that can help improve your mental health contact our Mental Wellbeing Midwife anytime Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 4pm on 07779 445162.
Please send a text with your name and date of birth if your call is not answered. If your call is urgent please ring NHS111, your GP or the 24 hour Mental Health Helpline on 0800 183 0558.
If you are a professional referring please follow your organisation’s pathway for referral to Mental Health services.
24-hour mental health helpline: 0800 183 0558
Emotional wellbeing after childbirth
In the first few weeks after having a baby you may find that you are constantly going over what happened during labour and birth as you try to make sense of it all.
Sometimes remembering what happened can be distressing, you may experience unusual feelings, flashbacks and nightmares. This can be quite normal as your body and mind adjust after childbirth; these feelings usually diminish or resolve by 4-6 weeks.
Talking about your birth experience with family and friends, or your Community Midwife, Health Visitor or GP can be helpful. These conversations help to naturally process what has happened; you may find this is enough to help you make sense of your experience.
If you find that your feelings about the birth have not resolved, or you need to understand what happened and why, you can speak to a Specialist Midwife about your experience. Following this, if you need more support we can refer you to our psychology service or other specialist services.
Welcoming a new baby and your emotional wellbeing
This leaflet is written for women and birthing people who have just had a baby, to help you think about your emotional wellbeing as you welcome your new baby (or babies) into your life.
Birth In Mind Service
The Birth in Mind service is a maternity and psychology service available for women that live in or birth in Barnsley wishing to discuss their birth experience. Sessions are run by a specialist midwife and are usually offered from 6-8 weeks after giving birth.
You can self-refer via telephone, email or QR code, or a referral can be made on your behalf by a health or social care professional.
To refer yourself, please email bdg-tr.maternitymentalhealthmidwives@nhs.net, telephone 01226 436340, or use the form below.
Useful links for more information
The Royal College of Psychiatrists website has information for any woman who has a mental health problem, or has had one in the past, and wants to have a baby. They also have great advice and information for any woman who is planning a first pregnancy, or who already has children and wants to get pregnant again.
Royal College of Psychiatrists – Your mental health in pregnancy
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Perinatal Mental Health Team have lots of information about mental health in pregnancy. Follow their Facebook page, and subscribe to their YouTube channel for regular updates and information.
Barnsley has an organisation known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) which helps people find the support they need. You can self-refer on the IAPT website, and they run workshops for pregnant women.
Best Beginnings is another very useful website to engage, equip, educate, and empower parents from conception.
