Referrals to specialist mental health service for new mums surge by 80%
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) received 4,816 referrals in 2024/25, up from 2,668 in 2022/23.
This coincides with Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 5 to May 11, 2025.
Becky Eva, clinical development lead for specialist community perinatal mental health services at AWP, said: "There are several factors contributing to this recent increase, but it is likely that greater awareness of our services by clinicians and a better understanding of perinatal mental health, among the general public have played a significant role."
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One mother, Becky from Bath, shared her experience: "The transition from woman to mother was one of the biggest, most confusing changes I've ever been through.
"I felt like I lost myself overnight."
Becky sought help from the AWP's specialist community perinatal mental health team towards the end of 2023.
She said: "Instead of judging me, they met me with so much empathy and understanding.
"I learned that intrusive thoughts like the ones I was facing are actually really common, especially in new mums."
For those experiencing mental health needs during pregnancy or post-natal period, AWP advises contacting a local GP, midwife, or health visitor for a referral to the specialist perinatal team.
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