Ready, Steady, Baby! Research

Participant follow-up sheet – Support and signposting

Thank you for taking part in our research today.                                              

We know that pregnancy and early parenthood can bring up a wide range of emotions, and that some of the topics we discussed today may have been difficult or brought up things you are still processing. We want to make sure you know where to find support if you need it.

Information and guidance:

Ready, Steady, Baby!

Your guide to pregnancy, labour and birth, and early parenthood up to 8 weeks.

nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/

General mental health and emotional wellbeing:

Breathing Space

A free and confidential phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over 16 feeling low, depressed or anxious.

0800 83 85 87 (free) – Mon to Thu 6pm to 2am; Fri 6pm to Mon 6am  |  breathingspace.scot

Samaritans

A confidential listening service available to anyone who needs to talk, whatever they are going through.

116 123 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)  |  samaritans.org

NHS Inform

Scotland’s national health information service, with advice and guidance on a wide range of health topics including mental health and wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood.

nhsinform.scot  |  NHS 24: 111

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support call the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub on 111 (24-hour helpline). For a range of resources to help with mental health:

nhsinform.scot/youmatterwecare

Perinatal mental health and emotional support for parents:

Your midwife, health visitor or GP

If you are struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or after the birth of your baby, please speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP. They can offer support and, where needed, refer you to specialist perinatal mental health services.

Birth trauma:

The Birth Trauma Association

The UK’s leading charity supporting parents who have experienced a traumatic birth. Offers peer support by email and phone, a private Facebook support group, and regular online drop-ins.

support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk  |  0203 621 6338  |  birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

Pregnancy loss and complications:

Tommy’s

Provides information and support for anyone affected by pregnancy loss, complications or stillbirth. Their midwife helpline offers free, confidential advice on any pregnancy or planning-for-pregnancy issue, including mental health.

Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline: 0800 0147 800 (free, Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm)  |  tommys.org

If you are in immediate distress or feel you are in danger, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

The support organisations listed above are provided for information only. JRS Research Consortium and Public Health Scotland are not responsible for the services they provide.