Perinatal mental health
Perinatal mental health is a service in Rotherham and Doncaster
The perinatal mental health service extends specialised assessment and treatment to mothers, birthing parents, and their families.
The service operates in partnership between Rotherham, Doncaster, and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Light, a local perinatal peer support charity.
How we can help
It’s a huge change for people, physically and emotionally. One minute you might be feeling excited, the next you are nervous. It can be an emotional rollercoaster. In fact it is estimated that 1 in 5 women will experience a diagnosable mental health issue before, during and after pregnancy, which is also known as the perinatal period. That’s where we can help.
We offer confidential and non-judgmental care and treatment to women and birthing parents experiencing mental health challenges. This includes those planning to have a baby, currently pregnant, or who have given birth within the past 12 months.
Everyone we see is unique and experiences different things. That’s why what we offer is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Some of the services we offer include:
Pre-conceptual advice
If you’re managing an ongoing mental health problem and thinking about having a baby, we can offer a range of advice. At this one-off appointment, we’ll discuss your current care, risks, treatment and medication.
Specialist mental health assessment
We have a detailed conversation about all aspects of your current needs and previous history. We’ll meet you in a place where you feel most comfortable, whether that’s at home, in one of our clinics or anywhere else you choose.
Interventions and treatments
We offer a range of interventions and treatments including, mental health birth care planning, baby massage and other parent infant interventions, video interaction guidance, psychology, medication management, diagnostic review and emotional support.
Peer support
We attend and support peer support groups, with LIGHT, which gives you the opportunity to meet other parents and babies, share stories and support each other through your recovery. LIGHT offers a range of support so if a group setting isn’t for you, they can still help.
Access to a team of specialists
To help you during your recovery you can access care from a variety of specialists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, parent infant specialists, nursery nurses and support workers.
General advice and signposting
We offer advice for referrers and to anyone seeking support. We work closely with GPs, maternity services, health visitors, mother and baby units, family hubs and other mental health services. We can signpost you to relevant services who might be better placed to offer you help.
How to get help
To access our services, a referral must be made by a health or social care professional working in Rotherham or Doncaster. This referral could come from your GP, community mental health team, midwife, or health visitor.
Our service is available to women and birthing parents who:
- are planning to try and have a baby
- are pregnant
- have a child less than 12 months old
And who also:
- have previously been diagnosed with a moderate to severe mental health problem
- might be developing a moderate to severe mental health problem
- have experienced previous trauma
Contact perinatal mental health
Patient self-care information
If you want to find out more about the service, please see our frequently asked questions about perinatal mental health.
Plan your journey
If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.
Page last reviewed: March 12, 2025
Next review due: March 12, 2026
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