Maternal mental illness can be addressed:
it is predictable, identifiable, treatable and in many cases, preventable.
Maternal mental health interventions are critical not only because of the high level of need, but because of the preventative and protective impact they have on the social, economic, political and health inequalities faced by women. A significant body of evidence demonstrates the benefits for mother, child, family and society of integrating maternal mental health services into the primary care setting.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation shows that problems relating to primary support, social environment and lifestyle transition are most commonly reported by distressed women during pregnancy.
Our Clinical work
Statistical analysis of client logs and counselling data at the postnatal follow-up assessment shows that, on average clients report
57%
that their main problem is ‘much improved’ or ‘resolved’ after counselling
93%
successful bonding with their baby
69%
view their life as positive after counselling
In 2020, the PMHP team has
screened
831
women and girls
counselled
161
women and girls
provided
805
counselling sessions*
*on average, women attend 3 counselling sessions
The Service outputs for 2020 are detailed in the table below
| Indicator | HP MOU* |
|---|---|
| # women booked for first antenatal appointment | 2 793 |
| # women received mental health screening | 831 |
| Screening coverage | 30% |
| % qualifying for counselling | 38% |
| # women counselled (Target: 200 women) | 161 |
| # sessions per client (Target: 2 sessions per client) | 5 |
| # women referred to Community Mental Health team | 13 |
| # referrals made to other supporting organisations | 105 |
*Hanover Park Midwife Obstetric Units (HP MOU)