Perinatal ill mental health is one of the leading causes of death for mothers from conception and up to 2 years old. Between 10 and 20% of women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or within the first year after having a baby.
Examples of these illnesses include antenatal and postnatal depression, obsessive
compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum psychosis. These conditions often develop suddenly and range from mild to extremely severe, requiring different kinds of care or treatment. If the illness goes unrecognised, undiagnosed, and untreated, leading to avoidable suffering for women and their families. The first 1001 days is crucial to increase children’s life chances.
The good news is that, with the right help, women can recover from these illnesses.
Our Bumps to babies’ programme provides parents with a volunteer to support them through the 1001 days and compliments the health professionals working with the family.