The resources on this page is a copy of the patient and carer information page on the RCGP Mental Health Toolkit. There are loads more resources on that page, indeed in the entire mental health toolkit. This includes professional resources and resources for carers and patients.

The Post Natal Check

It is important to use your post-natal check to the full. While the infant check (the New Infant Physical Examination – NIPE) is important, sometimes the mother’s check can be overlooked. It is only allocated a single appointment and sometimes runs concurrently with the NIPE. This is not the ideal solution, especially if the NIPE runs over or baby is being a bit ‘demanding’! We will try & cover the basics but you may need a further appointment if you need to discuss how you are feeling.

If you answer yes to either of these two questions (the Whooley questions), you may be asked ‘Is this something you feel you need or want help with?’ by the GP.

• During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
• During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?

Two other questions you may be asked which can also screen for potential mental health problems are:

• Is motherhood what you expected it to be?

• Did the birth go as you had planned or expected?

When you book for your baby’s NIPE, feel free to ask for a separate appointment for yourself. You can also book other appointments to deal with other things, such as contraception. We have trained nurses as well as GPs who can deal with this, especially if you want to consider Long Acting Reversible Contraception (such as implants and intra-uterine devices).

Please see below for resources.

Patient and carer information

Action on Postpartum Psychosis – Action on Postpartum Psychosis is the national charity for women and families affected by postpartum psychosis and contains links to peer support services and patient information guides.

Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) – This website provides reliable, evidence-based, and accurate information about use of medicines in pregnancy, in the form of freely available patient information leaflets, written by the UK Teratology Information Service.

Breastfeeding Network – BfN endeavours to provide information to enable mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish and to provide information on the safety of medicines for each mother and baby pair.

Contact – Support for parents raising a child with additional needs or disabilities.

Cry-sis – Cry-sis offer support for parents with crying and sleepless babies. The website includes signposting to a helpline (08451 228 66U) open until 10pm 7 days a week.

Dads in Mind – Dads in Mind offer both group and 1:1 support to dads supporting their partners with mental health during pregnancy and after birth and/or experiencing depression/anxiety related to their own new role as a parent.

ICON – A website designed to provide support to parents who are struggling with infant crying. Reassurance and coping strategies are offered. There is also advice for professionals.

International Association for Premenstrual Disorders – Support, information, and resources for women and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).

Make Birth Better – Support for partners affected by birth trauma.

National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome – Provides support with, and assistance in the management of, premenstrual syndromes.

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) – Advice and guidance on postnatal depression in Dads

PND Awareness and Support (PaNDAS) – PaNDAS offers peer support, Facebook groups, chat and email/telephone help for anyone affected by postnatal depression – be it mothers, fathers or families.

Royal College of Psychiatrists – Postpartum Psychosis for Carers – This page aims to explain the symptoms of postpartum psychosis and to describe the care and treatment available.

Tommy’s – Information on recognition and sources of support for PND in fathers.

Preconception Care Partnership Toolkit A comprehensive toolkit designed to help healthcare professionals support individuals and couples in optimising health before pregnancy. Make Birth Better – Free Resources Resources for improving experiences of pregnancy and birth, with a strong focus on psychological wellbeing.

NHS England – GP 6–8 Week Maternal Postnatal Consultation: What Good Looks Like National guidance for clinicians on delivering meaningful and effective maternal postnatal checks. Mending Milk – Perinatal Booklet A downloadable leaflet with clear, accessible information on perinatal wellbeing and mental health. Hearts & Minds – Perinatal Mental Health Support Map An interactive map of perinatal mental health services across the UK, helping families and professionals connect with local support.

Active Pregnancy Foundation – Professionals’ Hub Evidence-based advice and guidance for healthcare professionals supporting physical activity during pregnancy and after birth. This Mum Moves A fantastic initiative with resources and campaigns to promote safe and supportive activity for mums at all stages. Moving Medicine – Patient Resources Practical infographics, activity diaries, and patient-facing resources to support conversations around physical activity. Moving Medicine – Postnatal Return to Exercise Timeline A helpful timeline outlining safe return to physical activity in the postpartum period. Active Together A local partnership supporting active pregnancy and postpartum initiatives. Many areas can provide flyers, posters, or signposting to local activity groups (e.g. Active Mums clubs). Active Partnerships A nationwide network of regional organisations that connect communities with physical activity opportunities—including postnatal support.