We support our service users to identify goals that are meaningful to them and work towards achieving them, as well as building a new routine that encompasses both the needs of the mum and the new baby. We also work with new parents to develop confidence in accessing the community.
The Perinatal Mental Health Occupational Therapy Team
The Perinatal Mental Health Occupational Therapy Team
We are the occupational therapy team working in the Perinatal Mental Health Service. We work across Bedfordshire and Luton.
We support people who are pregnant or who have given birth in the past two years, and their families, with mental health needs related to birth and parenting, to engage in meaningful activities, achieve their goals and establish/maintain roles and routines that are important to them.
What We Do
The Perinatal Mental Health Occupational Therapy Team works with people who are pregnant or who have given birth in the past two years and their families. We support expectant or new parents to establish new roles and routines in the context of pregnancy/parenting, to access community groups and facilities that can provide ongoing support and connection to others and to adjust to a change in their identity and/or mental health needs.
Expectant and new parents who are under the care of the Perinatal mental health team, who have experienced a change in their mental health and wellbeing due to pregnancy and/or parenting.
Becoming pregnant and having a child can bring about huge changes in an individual’s life – changes in routines, roles, availability of time, finances, health and wellbeing among others. When an individual’s mental health is adversely affected by these changes, it can be difficult to establish better routines, prioritise one’s own wellbeing and find time to engage in meaningful occupations such as connecting with friends and family, engaging in hobbies and taking care of yourself and your home. The OT’s in the Perinatal Mental Health Team works with those who are struggling with these changes to identify goals and how to achieve these.
How Do We Work?
We offer both one-to-one and targeted group interventions to based on a holistic, person-centred and occupationally-focused approach. We work with new parents to develop a sustainable network in their community to provide them with ongoing support.
We work closely with our Multi-disciplinary teams colleagues, including joint working where appropriate to devise collaborative intervention plans.
What Our Service Users Say
“When talking to her you can really feel and see that she listens and tries to understand.”
“[Dr], [mental health nurse] and [OT] where then main people involved in my care. I built a good relationship with these ladies and as I grew stronger mentally I know it was down to their support. They listened and I felt they cared. OT was helpful and was able to ensure my housing association provided grab rails in my bathrooms to help. She provided a perching stool for use in the kitchen mainly as standing for any length of time is painful. She provided resources and advice related to my chronic fatigue.”