Community midwifery team celebrates international day of the midwife and perinatal mental health week

The community midwifery team at Northampton General Hospital is celebrating international day of the midwife and perinatal mental health week in the Northamptonshire community.

On Saturday 5 May the team is hosting a coffee, tea and cake morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Liburd Community Centre in Kingsthorpe. The free event aims to share information with families and new parents about the maternity services available to them, raise awareness of perinatal mental health and to celebrate the work our local midwives do.

Perinatal mental health problems can occur during pregnancy or anytime in the first year following the birth of a child. NGH maternity services want to raise awareness of the work they do in the county and how new parents can access support if and when needed.

Karen Alder, community midwife described why looking after mental health pre and post birth is so important: "Perinatal mental health problems can occur from conception up to a year following the birth of a child. Approximately 20% of women suffer from perinatal mental illness and the devastating impact this can have on the woman and her family can be long lasting. Not only affecting her physical and emotional wellbeing but that of her child. Children can suffer long term effects in their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

“It’s great for us to have the opportunity to meet new parents in the community and we hope that many people will come along to learn more about the work their midwives do and how we can help with any perinatal mental health concerns.”

Everyone is welcome to come along and meet the midwifery team.