Home visit from perinatal mental health team

[NCPuffin]

I am 25+3 today. I have a long history of anxiety/ OCD/ eating disorders, which are mostly controlled quite well. However, my anxiety has been getting worse in pregnancy, and I have been referred to the perinatal mental health team. I am quite happy about this - most of the time I feel fine, but I find it reassuring to know I am in the system and there is help available if I need it.

I have my first appointment at 9.30, and it is a home visit. I know this is not to check up on me, but it is making me a bit stressed - the house isn't particularly tidy and there is cat hair everywhere (not loads, but we should have hoovered). Can someone reassure me by telling me what the visit involves? Can't help but feel deep down that is an assessment of my ability to be a mother

Hi, I’m not sure what it involves but just wanted to say they won’t be judging you at all. They will probably just want to get your background and an idea of how things are going and tell you how they can help going forward. Stuff the house. They will have seen much much worse! And there’s still time for a quick whip-round with the hoover if that is stressing you out too much. Otherwise just be yourself and be honest. You will be fine! And like you said, it’s great to be in the system should you really need the help in the future. Good luck with your pregnancy

My perinatal MH team visits were always just about me, the initial visit will most likely just be a sit down and chat with you about your history and how you are feeling, also how they can help you. Try not to worry too much they aren't there to assess you as a mom but rather to assess what help you need and what help they can provide.

I don't know what they'll involve but they want to ensure you are OK, and your baby. And maybe the cats :o the last thing that should be doing is adding to your stress

So glad you've got support - much better to get it early. Don't worry at all about your house, one of my friends used to work as a health visitor and some of the things they see would stand your hair on end, a bit of cat hair and some clutter won't even register with them. It's all about you, hope they are able to provide good support.

I was seen post natally but in my area it is same service.

The lady who visited me was lovely. She had a list of questions about previous mental health, some kind of questionnaire and then she told me what would happen next. What stands out for me was how kind and supportive she was to me.

Thanks everyone! I have lots of experience of mental health support, so I know they won't judge me, but still I also teach in a deprived area, so I also know they'll have seen worse... Just being irrational, thanks for reminding me of the facts! I'll let you know how it went

Stealth let's hope she's not too interested in the cat, just stepped on her tail so she's not happy with me

As predicted, it was really nice! I am staying in the primary care system, but it's good to know there is help available if I need it! Thanks for reassuring me

Good luck. I have a newborn and toddler. My HV came round when we were having new doors fitted - there were toys everywhere and most of the doors in the house had been taken off - she didn't bat an eyelid!

Be proud for getting the support you need.