"Perninatal Mental Health Services Nottingham"

When I fell pregnant my health visitor at Great Hoggett family hub assigned me to Dr. Croft at QMC psychiatric outpatients for support with my mental health. Despite the pandemic she was thorough in the psychiatric assessment. Nicola was assigned as my CPN and again despite the pandemic; when my son was born she did a home visit. I remember her being warm, friendly and compassionate. She seemed genuinely concerned and invested in my wealth fare.

Both these ladies demonstrated bravery and delivered a high standard of quality care whilst i was under the service. I feel the communication within the multidisciplinary team is competent. Nicola worked tirelessly whilst i was in Birmingham City Children’s hospital, organising medication and talking to me in a calm and reassuring manner. Nicola also prevented me from harming myself when I was at rock bottom by asking important questions surrounding the topic of suicide which ultimately talked me out of that headspace. Dr.Croft helped ease me back into ‘normal’ life following my crisis by discharging me in a conclusive way that allowed me to start a new chapter in my life.

The support I received both in and out of the QMC setting was outstanding !

Fast-forward to today and I can say that the service is ever evolving. This time round upon discharge from the MBU I was diagnosed with C-PTSD which has helped me to better understand myself and my mental health. Reassigned to the same two lovely ladies in 2024 for baby number two and this time my mum who supports me was signposted by Nicola to Sinead who provided an authentic and non judgemental peer support service for my mum.

During the postpartum of baby number 2 Dr. Croft went above and beyond again because out of hours she did a home visit to drop off an emergency prescription during crisis. These two ladies have gone above and beyond for both my pregnancies. I really appreciate the continuity of care the second time round because i had the same amazing ladies who i owe my life to as they have helped me through the darkest times of my life.

I feel super grateful and immensely proud to be from Nottingham and to have access to these amazing mental health services that support mothers during and after pregnancy- it really is a lifeline. Special thank you to Dr. Croft, Nicola, Sinead  and all the staff at Margaret Oates MBU and QMC Perinatal Mental Health team and staff and the midwife at Great Hoggett Family Hub who first picked up my case.