NHS trust are launching a new pilot scheme ahead of Maternal Mental Health week.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) have launched the scheme that seeks to help those who have had a traumatic experience related to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as support those who have a fear, anxiety, or phobia associated with pregnancy.

NCIC’s Clinical Lead for the service, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Catherine Parker said: "We know that for many people having a baby is a happy and exciting time, but sometimes things can happen that feel frightening, distressing and overwhelming.

"You may not have had the birth you wished to have or your baby may have needed additional medical attention. You may have experienced multiple miscarriages or be grieving for the loss of a baby.

"Or you may have fears relating to hospitals, which means your pregnancy becomes a very anxious time. This is why we are piloting a new service for the Trust which seeks to support some women and birthing people who experience trauma, loss or fear relating to their pregnancy or to childbirth.

"This new service is part of a package of offers available in North Cumbria for women, birthing people and partners who are having emotional and mental health difficulties and we work closely with the midwives, health visitors, and other existing services such as the Perinatal Mental Health Service, First Steps and non-NHS organisations, to help get the best support for each person," she said. 

You can request a referral to the Maternal Mental Health Service from a member of your maternity care team, your health visitor or your GP.

READ MORE: Driving test backlog sees learners waiting months for tests in Carlisle