Mental Health Support During Pregnancy

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How is it possible to get MH support during pregnancy?

For a backstory I already have SS involvement in pregnancy due to serious MH problems with first.

I am constantly told to ‘engage and reach out if you need support’ whilst it’s strongly hinted that if I ask for ‘too much’ help baby will be removed.

At only 14 weeks pregnant I have been told my unborn baby will be on a child protection plan and this if with me engaging fully and running round like a headless chicken trying to keep all professionals happy. If I admit how horrid I feel then that’s grounds for removal.

The 10+ professionals I have involved in my pregnancy is actually making it worst. Every week there’s a new person I have to explain my entire story to and a new bunch of appointments I must attend. On top of this I’m high risk physically so I feel like I don’t get a moment and it’s only going to get more intense as the pregnancy progresses.

I appreciate it’s protocol but having this much intervention is actually making me feel worst.

Just wanted to vent and any advice is welcome

As someone who works in a psychosis team I feel really sad and angry on your behalf! As you've said yourself, you're aware the recurrence of post partum psychosis is 50%. I really can't understand the rationale for no longer letting you have unsupervised contact with your child, it seems the SWs have little knowledge of post partum psychosis and what it actually is, ie after you've delivered the baby!

I'm so sorry nobody recognised you were unwell sooner last time, the referral to treatment window for women with suspected post partum psychosis is 4 hours... Because everyone knows the onset is so sudden, its a really risky period and quick treatment is necessary. Its infuriating that if it was picked up sooner, things could be very different for you, and that isn't your fault.

Please continue engaging with the services, I know you're sick to death of all the services and questions etc, but unfortunately, if you disengage then it'll make matters so much worse.

I hope you have a lovely care coordinator from the PMHT who can advocate for you and attend the meetings with you.

Good luck!

I have just had a conversation with my children’s Dad who have had SS on the phone.

The social worker has called him saying she is extremely concerned I’m a ‘flight risk’ I said to my Mum that I felt my only chance was to leave the country but she certainly hasn’t told a social worker this (she hasn’t even spoken to them) …

The social worker also said I looked and sounded ‘extremely unwell’ when she came out to visit me. I have no idea how this could be the case when I was freshly showered, hair washed/curled, make up on and a nice summer co-ord. My home is also extremely clean (I have a bit of OCD).

No other mental health professional/midwife etc has made any sort of negative comment about my presentation. In fact, I’ve had lots of compliments from them saying how well I look.

I’ve now withdrawn my consent for Section 17 assessment and quite frankly they can take me to court.