A ‘CRUCIAL’ new service is set to become a lifeline for expectant parents suffering from anxiety and early stages of depression ahead of the arrival of their baby.
The NSPCC and Barnsley Council have launched the partnership - Pregnancy In Mind - to support parents-to-be who are at risk.
It will target predominantly mothers - but also fathers - between the 12th and 26th week of pregnancy, providing support in relation to mental health and helping expectant parents enjoy the first stages of their child’s life.
Many pregnant women, new mums, dads or co-parents do not reach out for help due to the stigma attached.
Debra Radford, from the NSPCC, said: “We’re delighted to launch Pregnancy In Mind in Barnsley - we know that perinatal anxiety and depression are sometimes overlooked despite a significant proportion of parents experiencing these issues whilst pregnant.
“This can make an already challenging time for expectant parents much more difficult.
“We know more and more about how a baby’s brain develops during pregnancy and ways in which reducing stress and anxiety for expecting parents can help to give babies the very best start in life.
“It is a virtual service, meaning mums, dads and carers can all attend from the comfort of their own homes while still engaging with other parents-to-be and practitioners.
“We’re pleased that Barnsley Council takes this issue seriously and we’re very pleased to be working with them to support parents throughout the region.”
According to the NHS, perinatal mental illness affects up to one in five new and expectant mothers and covers a range of conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research shows that 27 per cent of new and expectant mums and up to 20 per cent of dads will experience a perinatal mental illness.
The council say that if this is left untreated, the issues can have ‘significant’ and ‘long-lasting’ effects on families and their children.
Many of the signs and symptoms include feeling down, depressed or hopeless, finding it hard to sleep, worrying uncontrollably, feeling guilt, worry for you own or your baby’s health, argumentative or irritable, struggling to connect with your bump or baby, or feelings of wanting to harm yourself or others.
Leaders subsequently believe the introduction of Pregnancy In Mind will offer support for parental mental health during and after pregnancy.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “In Barnsley we want expectant parents, new mums and dads and their babies to have the best possible chance of having healthier, happier lives.
“Our focus on perinatal and infant mental health extends to all parents in our local communities, providing crucial assistance to parents that need support.
“We are excited to welcome the Pregnancy In Mind programme into our services and will support mums, dads and all co-parents to access this online offer in Barnsley.”
