Maternal mental health matters: Supporting all new mothers

Becoming a mother is often portrayed as a universally joyful experience, but the reality can be far more complex. For many women - particularly those facing systemic barriers to healthcare - the postpartum period can be isolating, confusing, and even dangerous when mental health challenges arise. 

The national MBRRACE-UK report which looked into why mothers die confirmed what many frontline workers already knew: women experiencing challenges when accessing healthcare are at significantly higher risk of not receiving timely mental health support when they need it most. 

Our BEAMS project (BEtter outcomes postnAtally for MumS) set out to design and deliver accessible information resources which can be used throughout the NHS using postnatal serious symptoms as an example topic.  

Listening to Women's Voices 

We wanted to put a spotlight on how health information is given to women who often face challenges in accessing healthcare after they have had a baby. We ran workshops across England and heard directly from women whose experiences are often overlooked in healthcare settings. Their stories have highlighted how mental health concerns can remain hidden behind more visible physical symptoms, with many women unsure when their feelings warrant medical attention.  

Co-Creating Solutions 

What makes our approach unique is genuine co-production. Rather than designing resources for women, we've created them with women. Using accessible methods like collage and script co-writing workshops, we explored not just what information women said they need about postpartum mental health, but how and where they want to receive it. 

The resulting animation on staying well after you’ve had a baby (viewable on our webpage) was scripted and voiced by women with lived experience. It illustrates some of the experiences they had during their own difficult times with suggestions of how to get support, presented in ways that resonate with real experiences.  

Building Circles of Trust 

Our research also explored women’s ‘circles of trust’ for health advice -  these networks are particularly crucial for mental health support. Participants emphasized that seeing authentic representations of women like themselves, in contexts they recognise builds confidence in the message. When it comes to mental health concerns, having information shared by someone who doesn’t judge can make all the difference between seeking help or suffering in silence.  

What Healthcare Providers Can Do 

For healthcare professionals supporting new mothers, our BEAMS project offers resources to stimulate and support conversations with a simple but powerful reminder to always check understanding and create safe spaces for questions. This is especially crucial for mental health discussions, where stigma and cultural factors can create additional barriers.  

Moving Forward Together 

On this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we're committed to ensuring that all women - regardless of their circumstances - have access to information that empowers them to recognize mental health challenges and seek appropriate support. 

The voices of the women we've worked with continue to guide our approach. Their message is clear: talking and sharing experiences builds community, and consistent support builds trust. When we get this right, we create environments where mothers feel safe seeking support for their mental health challenges before they escalate. 

We're deeply grateful to all the women who have shared their experiences with us, including those at Refugee Women Connect, Birth Companions, Flourish and Friends, Families and Travellers. Their courage in speaking openly about difficult experiences is helping to create resources that will support countless other mothers in the future. 

Visit our website to learn more about the BEAMS project and access our mental health resources.