Pre Natal MH referral - what do they do?

[Notgrownupinmyhead]

Ive been waiting 4 weeks to hear from them. Chased it up with the Dr and the Midwife and ive still not heard anything. They've not prescribed any AD's just said to wait for an appt. Is this length if time the norm to be waiting? I feel sometimes like my head is going to implode. When I do finally hear from them what help can I expect? Im 31wks with ds3. Ds1is 4y and ds2 is 40wks.

Thanks.

Hi - I had a referral too. Not sure if they vary in each place. For me it gave me access to a mental health midwife before birth, who i met once and got a tour of the hospital (only way to get one of those here!) There is a peri natal mental health team who can advise on medication and offer counselling or in patient treatment (but I was refused access to this as deemed not needed). I had to wait 7 weeks in total - ended up chasing it also! Could you go back to your gp or midwife and say you need help now. There is meant to be quicker access to services if pregnant (though I didn't find that myself).

You may get an appointment with a doctor to look at medication, you may get some short term counselling before birth, they may help you with the birth itself (that was the help I got as that was what I needed the most) or appointments after birth if your midwife refers you again.

Sorry if I wasn't more help. I would go back to your midwife, list your symptoms if they have changed and ask her to chase again. Your own gp can prescribe medication if they think that will help.

Hiya, If I dont hear by Tuesday as it was Wed I chased last with the mw Ill go and see a different Dr. Im in sunny Manchester and it'l be Wythenshaw Hospital where ill be having the baby or Trafford General as they do the Ante Natal appts. Im very up and down at the minute. I was like this about 10 yrs ago its only after the last few yrs im getting worse and only asked for help 4w ago as I think people are starting to notice and I thought I could get away with hiding it. You have been helpful, you've given me an idea if how long I could be waiting.

Hope chasing helps.

If your issues are not ante/post natal depression then you may find yourself being referred back to adult care as peri natal team only care with pregnant people and those with post natal illnesses, or those who have mental health issues and a small baby. I had referral to peri-natal team but am now under CMHT, though found having a baby meant I got treatment quicker than without.

Glad you been able to reach out and ask for help. Hope you get help asap. Do keep seeing your gp and midwife in between as they can chase things for you or offer treatment as well.

Thanks. Ill keep on at them. It needs sorting and more so for the sake of the boys.