What we do

This service provides care and support for women experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth.

We offer specialist perinatal mental health assessments, which focus on both the needs of mother and infant. We consider the support options for women suffering with severe mental illness such as Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder and Post-Partum Psychosis. We can also help women with a history of severe mental illness who are planning a pregnancy, or who have become pregnant and are at high risk of relapse during pregnancy or the postnatal year.

Care is provided across Buckinghamshire to women in their own homes wherever possible, enabling them to maintain their roles as mothers while their mental illness is safely treated. We also offer clinics in Aylesbury and High Wycombe.

Our team provides:

• A single point of access for referrals
• Psychiatric assessment and care of women who are pregnant and at risk of developing mental ill health following and prescribing medication, if needed.
• Advice on the risks and benefits of using psychotropic medication during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
• Pre-conception advice to women with current or previous serious/complex mental ill health who are considering pregnancy
• Support with developing the mother and baby relationship.
• Psychological therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) and Relapse-Prevention Work.
• Parenting skills support including help with mother-infant activities, routine and role adjustment.
• Expert advice to non-specialist services

We will work closely with other professionals, developing a treatment plan tailored to your own individual needs in partnership with you. Our aim is to provide the right care to help you recover, encouraging family involvement and strengthening your bond with your child.