Perinatal Mental Health Team

The 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. They promote 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.

Referrals for professionals

• Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service and Perinatal Loss and Trauma Team referral form (DOCX, 68 KB)

Resources

• Perinatal Mental Health Team information leaflet (PDF, 96K B)
• Perinatal partner’s peer support information leaflet (PDF, 117 KB)
• 2024 Perinatal book of hope (PDF, 1 MB)

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 Talking Therapies Service. Visit the Talking Therapies webpage or call 01208 871 414.

You may also find the following 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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