A pregnant woman and a therapist having a conversation in a cozy office with wooden shelves and a large window.

Private Perinatal Psychiatry

Specialist psychiatric care during pregnancy and after birth

Pregnancy and the months following birth can be a vulnerable time for mental health. As many as1 in 5 women experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth.

If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, bipolar affective disorder or other changes in your mental health, specialist psychiatric support can help.

I provide private perinatal psychiatric assessment and treatment for women before conception, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Book a Consultation

You may be experiencing:

  • Persistent sadness or feeling unlike yourself

  • Anxiety, panic or constant worry about the wellbeing of your baby

  • Distressing or intrusive thoughts

  • Symptoms of OCD

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Feeling overwhelmed by motherhood

  • Birth trauma/PTSD

  • Low mood during pregnancy or after birth

  • Bipolar disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period

  • Worries about using medication in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding

  • concerns about risk of relapse in pregnancy or after giving birth

  • Uncertainty about whether you need professional help.

How I can Help

A comprehensive psychiatric assessment can help us understand your symptoms, psychiatric history and individual circumstances.

We can then discuss:

  • Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms.

  • If starting or continuing medication becomes part of your treatment plan, we will consider the potential benefits and risks of treatment, including during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

  • Discussing appropriate psychological therapies and other sources of support.

  • Considering sleep, support network, relationships, work, parenting and other factors affecting your wellbeing.

  • Arranging follow-up where appropriate and coordinating with your GP or other professionals involved in your care.

A woman sitting at a wooden table, looking at a blister pack of pills, with a bottle of medication, a glass of water, and a small bowl nearby, in a room with bookshelves and plants.

Making a decision on whether to take psychiatric medication during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding can feel overwhelming.

There is rarely a simple answer that applies to everyone.

I can help you understand the potential benefits and risks in the context of your past psychiatric history, previous response to treatment, current symptoms, your personal risk of becoming unwell and breastfeeding plans.

I hope to help you make an informed decision that considers both your mental health and the well-being of your baby.

Medications During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Planning Ahead

If you have experienced significant mental health difficulties previously (e.g a history of severe anxiety and depression, OCD, bipolar affective disorder etc), it is important to take a proactive approach in managing your mental health before and during pregnancy.

A preconception consultation is a thorough assessment of the following:

  • Your previous mental health history and current mental health

  • Your risk of relapse during pregnancy and after birth

  • Current medication

  • Whether treatment should be continued, changed or stopped.

  • What support you might need during pregnancy

  • A plan for the postpartum period

What happens during your consultation?

  • A beige notebook with a silver pen, a tablet, and a small blue ceramic vase on a light-colored desk in a minimalist room with wooden shelves.

    Before your appointment

    You are sent a registration form to provide information about your current concerns and relevant medical and psychiatric history.

  • A healthcare professional wearing a white coat is signing a document at a desk with older patients nearby, and a stethoscope is hanging around their neck.

    During your appointment

    We will explore your symptoms, history, circumstances and treatment options in detail.

  • Afterwards

    You will receive an assessment letter with clear recommendations and a personalised treatment plan. With your consent, relevant information can be shared with your GP or other professionals involved in your care. If starting medication is part of your treatment plan, you will be issued a private prescription.