Skip to content
Accessibility Sitemap Search

The UK's national charity for working parents and carers

Donate
Members log in

How can we support maternal mental health?

Published: 6 May 2025

For Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked Dr Krystal Wilkinson, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management, based at the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity at Manchester Metropolitan University, about what everyone can do to support maternal mental health.

Perinatal (pregnancy and post-birth) mental health problems are the most common complication of maternity journeys, affecting at least 1 in 5 women/birthing parents.  They also affect many men/non-birthing partners during parental transitions.  Despite the prevalence, many people have little awareness of different perinatal mental health conditions and can be very confused and scared when they experience symptoms.  Furthermore, people can be wary of discussing their symptoms and asking for help.

So what can employers and managers do to support employees during maternity/parental journeys? 

  • For women/birthing parents, start dialogue about wellbeing early, and revisit throughout maternity journeys.  Include wellbeing discussions throughout pregnancy; include mental health in pregnancy and maternity risk assessments; agree a communications plan for during maternity leave; and discuss wellbeing during Keeping in Touch (KIT) /SPLiT days
  • For men/non-birthing parents, recognise the significance of the parental transition.  Include wellbeing discussions before and after paternity leave.  Where an individual is taking more than a few weeks of parental leave, agree a communications plan in advance, and include wellbeing during any SPLiT days.
  • Ensure a proper return-to-work plan.  Be open to discussions about phased returns to work, flexible working, and reasonable adjustments, especially where someone has disclosed a health concern or is supporting a partner with their mental health.  Monitor how the individual is settling back into work and offer ongoing wellbeing check-ins as appropriate.
  • Signpost to mental health support provisions both inside the organisation (such as counselling, EAPs and Occupational Health services) and outside the organisations (such as specialist charities)

Beyond this, employers can review their suite of parental and mental health & wellbeing provisions to ensure that perinatal mental health is recognised. They can offer training and/or a toolkit for line manages, who are often at the front line with supporting affected staff.  They can also develop awareness raising events and consider avenues for peer-support, through for example Employee Resource Groups / Staff Networks or dedicated Champion roles.  

For more information and guidance on this issue, including many free resources, check out the new employer offering from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and PANDAS Foundation, The Parent Gap.

How can you support a partner / friend or relative who may be struggling with their maternal mental health?

Perinatal (pregnancy and post-birth) mental health problems are the most common complication of maternity journeys, affecting at least 1 in 5 women/birthing parents.  They also affect many men/non-birthing partners during parental transitions.  Despite the prevalence, many people have little awareness of different perinatal mental health conditions and can be very confused and scared when they experience symptoms.  Furthermore, people can be wary of discussing their symptoms and asking for help.

You might be worried about someone…

You might be concerned about your partner, a friend, relative or colleague because you have noticed a change in their behaviour during their maternity or parental journey. For example, they might appear a little more snappy or abrupt than usual, or more withdrawn. You maybe notice them staying in work longer than they used to or avoiding social situations.  These could all be signs that someone is struggling with their mental health. Alternatively, they might have confided in you that they are struggling, or that they feel like they are failing or are a ‘bad mother’ or ‘bad father’. 

So how can you support a partner, friend or relative who may be struggling with their maternal or parental mental health?

It’s good to start a conversation with the individual and ask what is going on for them. The purpose of the conversation is not to draw attention to, or judge, any change in behaviour or feelings they might have, but rather to be curious about how they are, and see what support can be found.  You don’t need to have all the answers – just listening is a great start.

Try not to make assumptions about mental health conditions, who might be affected, or how they might manifest.

Ask what the individual needs.  They might want you just to listen. They might not want to talk at length, but just might appreciate your company. They might want some guidance/advice.  They might want some practical help with the baby or household tasks.

You might want to encourage the individual to reach out for support via their GP, midwife, health visitor or NHS self-referral pathways.  You could also signpost some of the charities that offer information, resources and peer support.  These include the following:

In signposting to such resources, you could reference just how common it is to struggle with mental health during parental transitions, so that they feel less alone.

Some perinatal mental conditions (especially postpartum psychosis) can be very serious, and progress very quickly.  If you are worried that someone might be in crisis, you should send/take them to A&E.

About Dr Krystal Wilkinson:

Dr Krystal Wilkinson is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Management, based at the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on the work-life interface, health and wellbeing at work and tackling inequalities. She has published in leading academic journals, featured in various media outlets and trade press (including the BBC, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and People Management magazine), and is lead editor of the 2024 book: Work-Life Inclusion: Broadening perspectives across the life-course. Krystal is passionate about knowledge exchange and is working with various stakeholders to raise awareness and create resources, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), national charities, campaign groups and employers. She is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and the first ambassador for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.