Having a baby can be joyful, exciting and rewarding. However, it is also common for pregnant women and new mothers or fathers to experience anxiety, depression or emotional distress. As many as one in five women experience emotional difficulties during pregnancy and in the first year after their baby’s birth. This can happen to anyone.
Asking for help
This perinatal period is an ideal time for preventive mental health perinatal interventions that promote strong attachment and positive parenting, thereby reducing the risk of later mental health problems for both parents and child.
IAPT Lewisham offers free, confidential talking therapy for people who have a range of emotional difficulties during the perinatal period, such as:
- Low mood, sadness and tearfulness
- Anxiety, worry and tension
- Irritability and anger
- Difficult or unexpected feelings towards pregnancy or baby
- Poor sleep even when your baby sleeps well
- Feeling unable to cope or enjoy anything
- Thoughts that you are not a good enough parent
- Worrying thoughts about your baby
- Worrying about pregnancy, baby and parenthood
How an IAPT service can help you
If you think you need support, then please self-refer
Alternatively, you could also ask your GP, midwife or health visitor to refer you.
We know that pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s birth is a very important time. Given this, prioritise clients who are in the perinatal period for an assessment and treatment.
A time will be arranged for you to speak to one of the therapists. When you have your first appointment you will be asked for some brief details about yourself and about your current difficulties. This helps us decide how we can best help you. At the end of the appointment, we will discuss the support options available and agree a plan.
IAPT services aim to be flexible. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you need. You can discuss attending appointments at a convenient time to suit your baby’s schedule.