Specialist support for expectant and new parents
Expecting and having a baby can be an exciting time, but when the reality of birth hits, especially if it is different from what was imagined, new parents can feel a range of emotions and anxieties. These difficult beginnings can impact on relationships and can sometimes make it difficult for new parents to bond with their babies.
If you feel like you’re struggling to bond with your baby, you are not alone. It’s natural to feel a little lost at first. Talk to your partner or friends and seek early support from your midwife or health visitor, who are trained to help.
The following videos show local mums talking openly and honestly about their feelings:
Perinatal Mental Health Service – This specialist service works with women who are experiencing mental health difficulties whilst pregnant, or in the first year after their babies are born. Speak to your midwife, health visitor, or GP as you will need a referral to this service.
Support following a difficult birth
After birth listening services enable parents to talk about and reflect on their birthing experience.
- George Elliot Hospital After Birth Listening Service - offers a chance to talk about and reflect upon your birth experience. This can help you to make sense of what happened and answer any questions you may have.
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire midwifery team – email BirthListeningService@uhcw.nhs.uk with your name, address, date of birth, date of baby’s birth and brief details of your concerns. A Supervisor of Midwives will respond and make an appointment for you within six weeks.
- South Warwickshire Foundation Trust’s Birth Experience Listening Service. If you think you could benefit from this please email birth.listening@swft.nhs.uk.