Emotional and physical health and development

Mental health services 

Having a baby can be an emotional time and you may experience a mix of emotions, from joy to worry or sadness. It's important to understand how you can support your or your partner's mental health at this time, and seek support when required. 

For more information visit the NHS website.

Perinatal Mental Health Team

Shropshire's Perinatal Mental Health Team covers planning a pregnancy up to 12 months postpartum, for those with a moderate to severe mental illness. 

During the perinatal period it's important to be able to identify any red flags which indicate an increased presence of risk which should be acted on urgently, such as:

  • New or persistent expressions of incompetency as a mother 

  • New thoughts or acts of violent self-harm 

  • Recent significant changes within mental state or emergence of new symptoms 

  • Estrangement from the infant 

Visit the Mental Health Perinatal Community website for more information.

The Pandas Foundation also offers support for anyone affected by perinatal mental illness.

SEND

Information if you've been advised that your baby might have a disability or health-related condition:  

GP

When your baby is approximately 6-8 weeks old you should have a postnatal check with your GP. Your surgery should reach out to you to book an appointment.  

At your appointment they'll discuss the following: 

  • Ask you about your mental health and general wellbeing    

  • Ask you about your physical health following childbirth   

  • Provide advice about family planning and contraception   

  • Discuss any conditions that require ongoing management, such as gestational diabetes 

This appointment provides you with the opportunity to discuss anything that's concerning you following the birth of your baby. 

The Disabled Children’s Team

The Disabled Children’s Team (DCT) is a specialist service that offers support to children and young people with severe, enduring, complex disabilities aged 0-18 and their families.

Health visiting 

The Health Visiting Service aims to achieve the best health and wellbeing for children from birth to five years of age by identifying health needs and promoting healthy lifestyles. This includes delivery of health and development reviews, and health promotion and parenting guidance tailored to individual families. You can find out more on the NHS website, or call 0333 358 3654.

Drop-in, open access health visitor clinics are now available at locations across Shropshire. To find your nearest clinic visit the Shropshire Family Information Directory.

Vaccinations 

At eight weeks of age your baby should receive an appointment for their first childhood vaccinations, with more following at 12 weeks. These are the best way to protect your baby from a number of childhood infections. Information about childhood vaccinations can be found on the NHS website.