Every year around 20% of women will develop mental health problems in the perinatal period (pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth), including depression, anxiety, PTSD and psychosis.

Post-natal depression (PND) is a common mental health condition that affects many new parents, particularly mothers, though as many as 1 in 10 fathers will develop PND following the birth of their child.

It includes feeling persistently low, apathetic or even suicidal. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK within a year after childbirth.

These charities and organisations may be able to help if you need support:

Mind – find out more about what mental health problems new parents can get, treatments that can help and services that can offer support

PaNDas offer a variety of support services for families and their networks who may be suffering with perinatal illness, including prenatal and postnatal depression

Tommy’s provide support, advice and information on pregnancy and baby loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination for medical reasons. Call 0800 014 7800 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for free

Family hubs offer support to children, young people and their families. They provide a single place to go for support and information from a variety of services. Check if there’s a hub near you at Family hubs – Family Hubs and support