Ongoing or new mental health concerns: postnatal advice

After the birth

Having a baby changes your body physically. It can also affect your emotional wellbeing.  You can ask for help in different ways.

A health visitor will be in contact, usually between 10 and 14 days after you give birth.

You will also have a postnatal check with your GP at 6 to 8 weeks after birth. You can use this time to discuss any problems.

Your health visitor or GP can refer you to a specialist if needed. 

Avoid risk to you or your baby

Consider following these measures, when possible.

• Do not share a bed with your baby or babies if you take medicines that can make you sleepy.
• Try to arrange for your partner or a family member to be there to support you, especially at night-time. Do this at least two nights per week.

Help with sleep

If you have trouble sleeping, consider self-care and sleep hygiene. For example:

• avoid using screens just before going to bed
• have a bath and do something you find relaxing, like mindfulness or breathing techniques.

If lack of sleep continues to be a concern for you, consider taking 10 to 20 mg of promethazine (Phenergan and other brands) at night. You can do this occasionally or for a short period. Speak to your GP before you start taking promethazine.

You can buy promethazine at your local pharmacy, or your GP can prescribe it.

It is safe to use while breast-feeding.

Do not share a bed with your baby when you are taking promethazine.

Expressing breast milk in advance can help you get as much sleep as possible. For advice, visit NHS information on expressing and storing breast milk

Breast-feeding

If you find breast-feeding difficult and it is affecting your mental health, ask for support early. Talk to any of the following:

• midwife (up to 28 days after birth)
• health visitor
• breast-feeding specialist
• peer support group (if available locally)
• GP.

As a short-term solution, consider mixed feeding with formula.

Share your birth experience with your health professionals. They can guide you to appropriate support services available locally.

Future pregnancy

We advise you to use reliable contraception so you can plan your pregnancy for a time when your mental health concerns are under control.

Tell your GP or health specialist team if you are planning to have another baby.  Do this before you become pregnant.

Your GP or health specialist team can advise you on whether the medicines you currently use are safe to take during pregnancy.

If you become pregnant, speak to your GP before you stop taking any of your medicines.

More information

For advice on any medicines you take for your health condition, visit BUMPS (Best use of medicines in pregnancy).

For free, confidential talking therapy, visit NHS Talking Therapies.

For advice on expressing breast milk, visit Better Health, Start for Life

For postnatal depression support, visit PANDAS Foundation UK