Postnatal mental health

Mental health difficulties that begin or worsen during pregnancy, birth or the first postnatal year are common and can be experienced by any parent or person pursuing parenthood. Such perinatal mental health difficulties can be devastating for all involved, including gestational and non-gestational parents, babies, and other children in the family. Impacts can last across generations however these are neither inevitable nor irreversible: early identification of need and prompt treatment are vital.

Whilst evidence is limited concerning rates of perinatal mental health conditions in sexual and gender minority groups, some research does suggest increased vulnerability. To understand, identify, and meet the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ parents, it is relevant to consider vulnerability factors that may be shared with cisheterosexual parents, but also those aspects that may be amplified or distinct; for example, gender dysphoria during pregnancy, birth and lactation, the impact of heteronormative health systems, role insecurity for non-gestational or non-biological parents, and parenting without templates/role models. We explore potential protective factors within LGBTQ+ households, such as communication regarding parenting expectations and divisions of tasks. Ultimately, anyone can experience perinatal mental health difficulties and we present learning opportunities for those providing care in the perinatal period, across the continuum of universal promotion of good mental health, through to caring for parents affected by more severe or complex mental health needs.