Report calls for support for perinatal mental health in Suffolk
A new report indicates that one in four women in Suffolk experiences perinatal mental health issues. Local mothers are calling for increased support services to address challenges like sleep deprivation and the pressure to feel happy after childbirth.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant public health gap in maternal care and the need for better mental health resources for new parents.
Image source, Getting Images Image caption, One in four women in Suffolk will have experienced a mental health issue during or after pregnancy, according to a report
Mothers living in Suffolk need greater mental health support both during and after pregnancy, a report said.
The Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNAS) 2026 for Suffolk , external , which was published in June and discussed by Suffolk County Council's Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday, found that one in four women giving birth in the county will experience perinatal mental health issues.
New mums told the BBC about their perinatal experiences, such as feeling they should be happy when they were not and how sleep deprivation was "a form of torture".
A spokesperson for NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "We recognise that perinatal mental health difficulties can affect many people and that early support is vital."
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