Perinatal mental health team

The perinatal mental health team specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and short-term treatment of women affected by a moderate to severe mental health illness in the preconception, antenatal and postnatal period. The team promotes wellbeing during pregnancy, prevention of relapse and assists with birth planning.

Perinatal mental health services

• Preconceptual advice, pregnancy and birth planning for women who have had a previous episode of mental illness.
• A consultation that may lead to a further assessment of risk and treatment options.
• An assessment that takes into account what is important to you during your pregnancy.
• The shared development of a care plan that meets your personal needs.
• Planning for the postnatal period to promote wellness and prevent relapse.
• Advice in prescribing medication for mental health reasons in pregnancy and breastfeeding such as anti-depressants.
• Information about other services such as Talking Therapies and the Family Information service.
• Referrals up to 18 months postnatally.
• Consultation for 18 to 24 months postnatally.
• We offer interventions up to baby’s second birthday.

Specialist perinatal mental health service referral form (DOC, 70 KB)

Resources for people with a mental health condition who are planning a pregnancy

Close to 551,000 people in the UK are managing a mental health condition. A large proportion of these are people who may be contemplating pregnancy or are at risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Through this partnership with @tommys_baby, @publichealthengland, @nhsengland and @lifeatkings have developed supportive resources for those who are planning a pregnancy or may wish to become pregnant in the future.

Mental health conditions can refer to a wide range of conditions. The new resources we have created have been developed to specifically offer support to those who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. These conditions include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression and psychosis.

Visit the Tommy's information hub.

Helpful local links

Following your referral we would recommend self-referral to our Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) team. Visit the IAPT webpage or call 01208 871 414.

You may also find the following local organisations helpful:

• Perinatal mental health treatment:
• Cornwall Council health visiting
• Cornwall Council school nursing
• Family Information service
• Home Start Kernow
• Cornwall NHS 24/7 mental health support line, call 0800 038 5300; anyone can now call the mental health telephone support, advice and triage help-line for Cornwall
• Thriving Together

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