Maternal Mental Health Support: Professional Care for Parents in Tunbridge Wells

Specialised Support When You Need It Most

The journey to parenthood brings profound joy but can also trigger significant emotional challenges. At Know Your Mind, our team of HCPC registered psychologists specialises in providing evidence-based maternal mental health support for parents facing difficulties from pregnancy through the postpartum period.

Mental health problems affect at least 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or within the first year after birth, making them the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Despite this prevalence, up to 75% of women experiencing these conditions don't receive the mental health services they need for recovery.

Our group at Know Your Mind practice in Tunbridge Wells offers a warm, welcoming environment where expectant and new parents can access the support they deserve. If you're experiencing emotional difficulties during pregnancy or after birth, our message is clear: You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will be well.

Understanding Maternal Mental Health & Why It Matters

When we talk about maternal mental health, we're referring to something that touches every aspect of a woman's emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and throughout that crucial first year after giving birth. This time—the perinatal period—brings a whirlwind of physical changes, hormonal shifts, and life adjustments that can profoundly affect how you feel and function.

The numbers tell a powerful story about why maternal mental health support isn't just important—it's essential:

• Mental health problems stand as the leading complication of pregnancy and childbirth, surpassing physical complications in frequency.

• These conditions account for 22% of pregnancy-related deaths, making them a silent crisis affecting families across the UK.

• The economic impact is staggering—approximately £14.2 billion annually, with each affected mother-infant pair facing costs around £32,000 when these conditions go untreated.

But beyond pounds and statistics, what matters most is the human impact: women struggling in silence, partners feeling helpless, and children whose earliest experiences are shaped by these challenges.

At Know Your Mind, we've seen firsthand how proper maternal mental health support can transform lives. The right professional guidance at the right time can make all the difference in a parent's journey.

Breaking the Silence: Awareness as the First Step

The path to healing begins with awareness. We've made this a cornerstone of our approach at Know Your Mind, because we understand that many expectant and new parents simply aren't prepared for the different emotions that can accompany this life transition.

Early screening makes all the difference. When healthcare professionals routinely ask about your mental wellbeing during pregnancy check-ups and postnatal visits, we catch struggles before they become crises. This leads to personalised care pathways—because your maternity experience is uniquely yours, and your support should be too.

This awareness extends beyond individual care to becoming a true public health priority. When communities understand that maternal mental health matters, stigma diminishes, resources increase, and families thrive.

Common Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

The journey through pregnancy and early parenthood can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected emotional challenges. Feeling sad is a common experience that can significantly impact one's life during this period. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect many new and expectant parents, yet with proper maternal mental health support, recovery is absolutely possible.

Depression & Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Depression during pregnancy or after birth touches the lives of roughly one in five women. It goes far beyond typical "baby blues," presenting as a persistent cloud that can make even the most joyful moments feel distant.

Depression symptoms often include:

• Losing interest in activities you once loved

• Struggling to sleep (or sleeping too much)

• Feeling disconnected from your baby

• Battling overwhelming fatigue that no amount of rest seems to fix

• Feelings of worthlessness or crushing guilt about not feeling the way you "should"

Anxiety frequently travels alongside depression, creating a storm of racing thoughts and constant worry. You might find yourself checking your baby's breathing multiple times each night, or experiencing physical symptoms like a pounding heart, dizziness, or feeling like you can't catch your breath.

At Know Your Mind, our team provides evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that helps you identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns, and self-help strategies you can practice between sessions. Talking therapy, such as CBT, has proven highly effective for many women experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. Our Perinatal Mental Health Therapy approaches are always customised to your unique situation and needs.

Postpartum OCD, PTSD & Birth Trauma

Perinatal OCD often appears as frightening, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to your baby. These intrusive images can be terrifying, leading to elaborate safety behaviours and checking rituals to prevent perceived dangers.

It's vital to understand that having these thoughts doesn't mean you're a danger to your child. In fact, it's quite the opposite – these thoughts are so distressing precisely because they contradict who you are and what you want.

Birth trauma and post traumatic stress disorder can develop following a difficult birth experience, medical emergency, or pregnancy complication. You might experience vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or find yourself avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event. Some women describe feeling constantly on high alert, jumping at small sounds, or struggling to be present with their baby.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has shown remarkable effectiveness for processing birth trauma experiences. This approach helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, allowing you to move forward. Our specialists provide EMDR Therapy both during pregnancy and postpartum, creating a safe space for healing.

Bipolar Disorder & Postpartum Psychosis

The dramatic hormonal shifts following childbirth can sometimes trigger or worsen bipolar mood disorders. For some women, the postpartum period is when bipolar disorder first becomes apparent – about half of women with bipolar disorder receive their diagnosis after giving birth.

Postpartum psychosis, while less common (affecting 1-2 mothers per 1,000 births), requires immediate medical attention. This condition typically emerges within days of giving birth and may include hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood swings, confusion, or paranoia.

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency requiring urgent help. With proper treatment, including specialised care, full recovery is possible.

At Know Your Mind, we work collaboratively with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive maternal mental health service for more complex perinatal mental illness. Our maternal mental health support includes safety planning, family support, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches that complement professional care.

Experiencing any of these conditions doesn't reflect on your parenting abilities or character. These are real manifestations of mental illness that respond to treatment, and with proper support, you can fully recover and thrive in your parenting journey.

Signs, Symptoms & Risk Factors From Pregnancy Through Postpartum

The journey from pregnancy to parenthood brings incredible joy, but it also involves significant physical, hormonal, and emotional changes. It's natural to experience a range of emotions during this period. Being able to spot the early signs of perinatal mental health challenges can make all the difference in getting timely help and support.

If you're wondering whether what you're experiencing might need maternal mental health support, look out for these common signs:

• Feeling persistently sad or hopeless even when things are going well

• Sleep difficulties that persist even when your baby is sleeping soundly

• Noticeable changes in your appetite – either eating much more or much less than usual

• Overwhelming fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

• A sense of disconnection from your baby or finding yourself uninterested in caregiving activities that you thought would bring joy

Many parents also experience excessive worry about their baby's wellbeing, intrusive thoughts about harm coming to themselves or their baby, withdrawal from family and friends, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms like headaches and chest pain.

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

Several factors can increase your risk of developing perinatal mental health conditions:

• Previous history of mental health problems

• Family history of mental illness

• Difficult experiences in your own childhood

• Complications during pregnancy or birth

• Severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)

• Parents of multiples (twins, triplets)

• Premature birth or a NICU stay

• Limited social support

• Financial stress or housing insecurity

• Previous pregnancy or infant loss

• History of trauma or abuse

Our team at Know Your Mind takes these factors into careful consideration when providing personalised mental health services for expectant and new parents.

Baby Blues vs. Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Many new mothers experience what's commonly known as the "baby blues" – those brief periods of tearfulness and feeling overwhelmed that typically begin a few days after giving birth. It's crucial to understand the difference between these temporary feelings and more serious conditions that require professional intervention.

Characteristic	Baby Blues	Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Onset	2-3 days after birth	During pregnancy or anytime in the first year postpartum
Duration	Resolves within 2 weeks	Persists beyond 2 weeks
Severity	Mild mood fluctuations	Moderate to severe symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
Impact	Minimal impact on daily activities	Significant impact on ability to care for self or baby
Treatment needed	Self-care and support	Professional intervention (therapy, etc.)

If your emotional struggles persist beyond two weeks or significantly impact your ability to function day-to-day, that's a clear sign that professional maternal mental health support would be beneficial. If you experience severe symptoms, it is vital to seek urgent help immediately.

Who Is Most Affected & Why Barriers Persist

While perinatal mental illness can affect anyone, the reality is that some groups face higher risks and greater barriers to getting the mental health services they need.

Women from diverse backgrounds experience higher rates of maternal mental health conditions but are less likely to receive treatment. Parents in low-income areas often struggle with limited access to specialised care, while rural communities frequently face shortages of qualified mental health professionals.

LGBTQ+ parents may encounter additional stressors and less inclusive care environments. Teen parents and very young women often lack adequate support systems to help them navigate the challenges of new parenthood. Parents of multiples face unique challenges and increased stress levels that can affect mental wellbeing.

Those with a history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences have higher vulnerability to perinatal mental health conditions, something our team at Know Your Mind is particularly attuned to when providing care.

Perhaps most concerning is that 75% of women experiencing maternal mental health conditions do not receive the care they need for recovery. This treatment gap exists for several reasons:

• Persistent stigma and shame around mental health problems during what's "supposed to be a happy time" can prevent women from speaking up

• Lack of routine screening in many prenatal and postpartum care settings, meaning difficulties go undetected

• Limited training in maternal mental health for many healthcare professionals

• Geographic disparities with many areas having maternal mental health provider shortages

At Know Your Mind, we recognise these barriers and work to create accessible, culturally sensitive maternal mental health services for all parents in the Tunbridge Wells area. Our team understands that seeking help is already a brave step – we're committed to making that step as straightforward as possible, providing evidence-based support that acknowledges your unique circumstances and experiences.

Comprehensive Maternal Mental Health Support: Where to Start

Finding your way through the maze of perinatal mental health services can feel overwhelming when you're already struggling. Many parents tell us they simply didn't know where to begin when they first noticed something wasn't right. That's completely understandable – the system can be complex, especially when you're sleep-deprived and adjusting to life with a new baby.

The good news is that maternal mental health support comes in many forms, and your journey often begins with a simple conversation. Most parents start by mentioning their concerns to a trusted healthcare professional – your GP, midwife, or health visitor is trained to listen and can provide a referral to appropriate resources. Here in Tunbridge Wells, our team at Know Your Mind works closely with local healthcare professionals to ensure you receive seamless care without having to tell your story repeatedly.

The most effective approach to perinatal mental health typically involves a team of professionals working together. This might include HCPC registered psychologists who specialise in perinatal care, your GP for medical support, midwives and health visitors who check in regularly. Think of it as assembling your own personal support squad – each member bringing different expertise to help you feel better.

The Power of Peer Support Networks

Sometimes, the most powerful healing comes from connecting with others who truly understand what you're going through. Peer support creates a space where you can speak honestly about your struggles without fear of judgment – because everyone there has walked a similar path.

Several trusted organisations offer structured peer support that complements professional therapy beautifully and provides further support for women experiencing difficulties:

• Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support provides both a helpline and local groups where you can connect face-to-face

• Postpartum Support International offers online support groups, including specialised spaces for fathers, LGBTQ+ parents, and military families

• The Blue Dot Project focuses on reducing stigma while building supportive communities

It's worth noting that partners need support too – about 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression, yet their struggles often go unrecognised. Dedicated fathers' groups provide a space where partners can share their own challenges and learn strategies to support both themselves and you.

Professional Therapy & Evidence-Based Treatments

Professional therapy forms the cornerstone of recovery for many women experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. At Know Your Mind, our psychologists offer several approaches that research has shown to be particularly effective during this life stage. Your therapist can help you decide on the best treatment approach for your specific needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change thought patterns that might be making you feel worse. For instance, many new parents find themselves thinking "I should be enjoying every moment" or "Other parents cope better than me." CBT helps you challenge these thoughts and develop more balanced perspectives.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

If you've experienced birth trauma, EMDR can be transformative. This approach helps your brain process traumatic memories differently, so they no longer trigger intense emotional responses. Many women find that after EMDR, they can think about their birth experience without feeling overwhelmed by fear or anxiety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT takes a different approach, focusing on accepting difficult emotions while taking actions aligned with your values as a parent. Rather than trying to eliminate challenging feelings, you'll learn to make room for them while still being the parent you want to be.

Compassion Focused Therapy

For those struggling with self-criticism (which is remarkably common in new parenthood), Compassion Focused Therapy helps develop self-kindness and understanding. This approach is particularly helpful if you find yourself being much harsher with yourself than you would ever be with a friend in the same situation.

Our approach to talking therapy for new mothers recognises that your experience is uniquely yours. We don't offer cookie-cutter solutions, but rather tailor our approach to fit your specific needs, circumstances, and preferences.

Partner, Family & Workplace Support

Recovery flourishes when your whole environment supports your wellbeing. Partners and family members often want to help but may not know how – they might worry about saying the wrong thing or making matters worse. At Know Your Mind, we offer sessions that include partners, providing them with concrete strategies to support you effectively.

The workplace represents another crucial environment where support can make a tremendous difference. Many women worry about managing their mental health problems while balancing work responsibilities. Our team provides:

• Resilience training for individuals and teams

• Workplace wellbeing consultancy

• Mental health workshops for managers and colleagues

• Specialised support for working parents

• Guidance on reasonable accommodations during pregnancy and after return to work

• Strategies for managing work-life balance during the transition to parenthood

Employers who invest in such support not only help their employees thrive but also benefit from improved retention and productivity – creating a positive cycle that benefits everyone involved.

Can Partners Experience Perinatal Mental Health Issues Too?

Absolutely – perinatal mental illness extends to all parents, including partners. The transition to parenthood affects the entire family system, and partners often experience their own mental health challenges during this period.

Research consistently shows that approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression. This risk increases significantly – to nearly 50% – when their partner is also experiencing postpartum depression.

Partners might experience:

• Depression and anxiety symptoms

• Feelings of being overwhelmed or excluded from the parent-baby bond

• Stress related to new responsibilities and roles

• Effects of sleep deprivation and disrupted routines

• Concerns about relationship changes and intimacy

At Know Your Mind in Tunbridge Wells, we recognise that perinatal mental health affects the whole family. We offer support customised to partners' needs, including individual therapy sessions and, when appropriate, couples approaches that strengthen communication and mutual support during this challenging transition.

By addressing the mental health needs of all parents, we help create a stronger foundation for the entire family. If you're a partner experiencing difficulties, please know that your mental health matters too, and effective support is available.

Our Specialised Services for Specific Perinatal Challenges

At Know Your Mind, we understand that certain perinatal experiences present unique challenges. Our group practice offers specialised support for a variety of specific issues:

Support for Severe Pregnancy Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Beyond the physical toll, many women experience feelings of isolation, guilt, and grief for the pregnancy experience they had hoped for. Our therapists provide specialised support to help manage the psychological impact of this condition.

Pre and Post-natal Depression or Low Mood

Whether you're experiencing depression during pregnancy or after birth, our team offers evidence-based interventions to help lift the fog. Using approaches like CBT and Compassion Focused Therapy, we help you understand and manage your symptoms while developing strategies for recovery.

Recovery from Birth Trauma

Birth experiences that were frightening, painful, or involved unexpected complications can leave lasting psychological impacts. Our EMDR specialists help you process these experiences so they no longer trigger distressing emotions, allowing you to move forward and connect with your baby.

Support for Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Anxiety during the perinatal period can manifest in many ways – from constant worry about your baby's wellbeing to panic attacks or health anxiety. Our therapists help you develop practical tools to manage anxiety while addressing the underlying thoughts and beliefs that may be fuelling your fears.

Help for Fear of Childbirth

For some expectant mothers, the prospect of giving birth triggers intense fear or anxiety (tokophobia). Our therapists provide specialised support to help you prepare for birth in a way that feels empowering rather than frightening, working closely with your midwifery team to ensure your birth plan reflects your needs.

Managing Stress at Work During Pregnancy and Return

The transition to and from maternity leave can be particularly stressful. Our team offers support to help you navigate workplace challenges during pregnancy and develop strategies for a confident return to work when the time comes.

Parenting Support for New Parents

The early days of parenthood can be overwhelming as you adjust to your new role and relationship with your baby. Our therapists provide evidence-based parenting support to help you build confidence and develop a strong, secure attachment with your child.

Support for Grief and Baby Loss

The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death brings profound grief that requires specialised support. Our therapists provide a safe space to process your loss and navigate the complex emotions that follow, including support during subsequent pregnancies.

Our Location and Service Area

Know Your Mind is conveniently located in Tunbridge Wells, serving families across Kent. Our central location makes quality maternal mental health services accessible to parents in:

• Tunbridge Wells

• Sevenoaks

• Maidstone

• Tonbridge

• Crowborough

We've intentionally created a single, central hub where parents can access specialised care without having to navigate multiple locations or providers. Our practice is designed to be a welcoming, comfortable space where you can feel at ease discussing your concerns.

Taking the First Step Towards Support

Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and wisdom. The journey to better mental health during the perinatal period begins with reaching out, and when you're ready, Know Your Mind is here to provide maternal mental health support every step of the way.

If you're experiencing any mental health problems during pregnancy or after giving birth, we encourage you to speak with a healthcare professional. You can also contact our group practice directly to learn more about our services or to schedule an initial consultation. We accept AXA and BUPA insurance, and our practice administrators can provide information about scheduling and any other questions you may have.

Recovery isn't always a straight line—there may be ups and downs along the way. But with the right support, you can navigate this journey and find new strengths within yourself as a parent. With compassionate, professional maternal mental health support from Know Your Mind, brighter days are ahead.