A new maternal mental health service has launched in South Tyneside and Sunderland to ensure that new and expectant mums don't "fall through the gaps" after experiencing any kind of trauma during their maternity experience.
Whether in relation to trauma during birth, any kind of loss - such as miscarriage, stillbirth, an abortion or death of a newborn - or to psychological issues such as fear of childbirth or fear of hospitals - the service will offer support and advice to women at a distressing time. Two clinical psychologists will work with the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust's midwifery team to offer support and therapies to those who need it.
Lorna Middlemass is the specialist midwife who is now working as part of the team. She told ChronicleLive: "Maternal mental health services have been historically underfunded. Reports such as the NHS long-term plan, and the Better Births report highlight there are gaps in provision for mental health. We have got primary care, we have got IAPT services, and we have a specialist perinatal mental health service - but there are some women who might fall between those services.
