Posted on: 2 May 2025
A journey through our perinatal services
The transition to parenthood is often painted as a time of joy and excitement, but for many, it can also bring unexpected challenges. Recent data shows that one in four women/birthing people will experience mental illness during the perinatal period, and tragically, suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death in the months following childbirth.
It’s important to recognise that perinatal mental health doesn’t just affect the parent, it also impacts the early bond between parents and their baby. Unfortunately, stigma around mental health continues to keep many people from seeking the help they need, which is why raising awareness is so important.
This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 5 to 11 May, we want to remind everyone of the wide range of services available to support people navigating this journey. If you or someone you know is struggling, we are here to help.
‘You’re Not Alone’ campaign
As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and increase access to care, our Brent and Harrow perinatal mental health team ran the “You’re Not Alone” campaign last year.
Based on a successful initiative by West London NHS Trust, this campaign aimed to encourage more women/birthing people to seek mental health support early on, particularly because perinatal mental health issues are often underreported.
How to access support
Across North West London and Milton Keynes, we have a perinatal team ready to help:
- Visit the Brent and Harrow Perinatal Mental Health webpage for more information. You can also refer yourself to the service online at this page.
- Learn more about the Hillingdon Perinatal Mental Health Team
- Explore the Kensington and Chelsea Perinatal Mental Health Team
- Find out more about the Westminster Perinatal Mental Health Team
- Visit the Milton Keynes Perinatal Mental Health Service page for details.
We understand that some individuals experience deep emotional pain from trauma or loss during the reproductive journey. Our Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service (MTLC) is specifically designed for those coping with these difficult experiences:
- For Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea, or Westminster residents, please visit the MTLC website
- For those living in Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, or Hounslow, please refer to the West London Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service
- Milton Keynes residents can access the Milton Keynes MTLC webpage
At Coombe Wood, we’ve been providing inpatient care for mothers with mental health difficulties for over 70 years. As the UK’s first mother and baby unit, Coombe Wood has a long history and the care we provide is comprehensive and compassionate, allowing mothers to receive treatment while staying with their babies in a supportive environment.
- Hear from our patients: Read their stories here
- Follow on Instagram: @coombewoodmbu
- Learn more about Coombe Wood: Visit the Coombe Wood webpage
Our perinatal mental health services are available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. If you need urgent assistance outside of these hours, please don’t hesitate to contact your GP or the advice and crisis support line at 0800 0234 650.
