Healthwatch Derbyshire | Maternal Mental Health Matters

Healthwatch Derbyshire is running a survey to understand more about new mothers’ experiences of mental health services.

With one in four women experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and in the first year following the birth of a child, support from maternity services can significantly impact their mental health and wellbeing.
Healthwatch Derbyshire’s survey will help the NHS understand better what is working and what needs improving for people who develop mental health difficulties relating to their maternity experience.

The Healthwatch Network has done several national pieces of research into maternity services over the years. The research has contributed to securing important policy wins, such as the rolling out of mother and baby units in every part of the country. In 2020, following work undertaken by Healthwatch, NHS England launched 6-week mental health checks for new mothers to ensure they feel well and have the support they need if they struggle with their mental health.

The survey is confidential and will help Healthwatch Derbyshire and the NHS understand what they need to put in place to better support people who are experiencing a negative impact on their mental health due to their maternity journey.

So, whether you had a positive or negative experience with mental health support during or after pregnancy, please share your views.