“We believe that every expectant parent has the right to know about postpartum psychosis so they can get the best help quickly”

In summer 2022, Action on Postpartum Psychosis will launch a campaign for information about postpartum psychosis (PP) to be shared at every antenatal class in the UK.

A YouGov survey carried out by APP in 2021 showed that only 6% of expectant parents were given any information about postpartum psychosis at their antenatal classes. We believe this must change. We know that rapid access to specialist perinatal treatment supports the best outcomes for both mum and baby, and that getting help quickly can save lives.

The development phase of the campaign is now underway, during which we will work closely with families affected by PP, our volunteers and antenatal class providers.  We will build the case for antenatal education through the real stories of women, partners and families who consistently tell us that lack of awareness and preparation for PP has led to shock, trauma and delays in seeking help.

We will survey antenatal providers to find out what the barriers might be to talking openly about postpartum psychosis in antenatal classes.  We will ask antenatal class providers to share with us what resources they need from APP to feel confident in giving this information to expectant parents.

In autumn 2022 we will launch print resources and media tailored for antenatal classes to explain what postpartum psychosis is, how to seek help, and to offer reassurance of recovery.  Our resources will support antenatal class providers to give this vital, life-saving information to all parents.

Postpartum psychosis can affect any mother from any background, so we will continue to campaign beyond 2022 and we aim to evaluate how many expectant parents are being given this information on a yearly basis.

 

Let's talk about postpartum psychosis in antenatal classes.

Help us to campaign for all antenatal classes to give information about postpartum psychosis. Email us to register your interest in finding out more about our new campaign: app@app-network.org

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All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2271 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 23rd February 2021.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).