Antenatal and postnatal care during coronavirus (COVID-19)

During the perinatal period (during pregnancy and up to a year after birth), parents can be under a lot of pressure. They may also be dealing with feelings of anxiety, stress or depression.

The effects of social distancing due to coronavirus may also increase mental health issues and without the right support, this can make it difficult for parents to care for and connect with their baby.

First up in our coronavirus series, we are joined by a midwife, health visitors and perinatal psychiatry experts for a special episode to mark Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (7-12 June 2020).

The panel discuss how the pandemic and lockdown is affecting pregnant women, parents, their families and babies; antenatal and postnatal care services have adapted in response; health visitors have been conducting assessments; and how vulnerable families are being supported.

• Dr. Jo Black - consultant perinatal psychiatrist
• Penny Dougan - health visitor
• Dr. Alain Gregoire - chair of Maternal Mental Health Alliance UK
• Eileen O’Sullivan - a specialist health visitor in parent and infant mental health
• Claire Spencer - midwife in London 
• Katie Worley - a health visiting and school nursing service manager.