by Lucy Ashton
Midwives in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are encouraging women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby to familiarise themselves with the range of mental health and wellbeing support available to them.
Research shows that around one in five women experience perinatal mental illness. Next week (4–10 May 2026) marks Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, providing an opportunity to highlight the mental health challenges women can face before, during and after pregnancy, and the support in place to help.
As part of the week, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwives are highlighting services available to support women and families across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Wellbeing workshops for pregnant women
The NHSGGC Maternity Wellbeing Workshop has already supported more than 250 women since it launched last year. The 90‑minute sessions are available both in person and online, offering flexible access to expert guidance and peer support. The interactive workshops explore common emotional experiences during pregnancy and provide practical tools to help manage stress and anxiety.
Participants learn grounding and relaxation techniques, are introduced to hypnobirthing, and gain insights into bonding with their baby and prioritising self‑care after birth. The workshops are open to anyone, with self‑referral available.
Women can book a place at upcoming workshops via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/specialist-perinatal-mental-health-midwives-106854233171
Stephanie Mair, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“Our wellbeing workshops provide a safe, supportive space where women can talk openly, learn practical coping strategies and connect with others who may be feeling the same way. We would encourage anyone who feels these sessions might help to book one and take that first step towards looking after their mental wellbeing.”
Digital therapy support for perinatal mental health
The Digital Therapies Team also delivers the Space for Perinatal Wellbeing programme, offering no‑wait, flexible mental health support from pregnancy through the first year after birth.
Delivered through the SilverCloud platform, the programme supports parents experiencing anxiety and/or low mood. Access is available through referral by a midwife or GP, allowing parents to take part at their own pace alongside the demands of pregnancy and early parenthood.
The programme supports parents with:
- Understanding low mood and anxiety in the perinatal period
- managing worry and unhelpful thinking patterns
- improving sleep
- building routines
- staying well
Specialist psychological and mental health support
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde also provides the Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Interventions (MNPI) service, a hospital‑based team of clinical psychologists and specialist midwives.
The service receives around 200 new referrals each month across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and supports families who are experiencing mild to moderate psychological difficulties associated with complex pregnancy, birth, neonatal complications or recurrent loss.
In addition, the Community Perinatal Mental Health Service (PMHS) provides specialist multidisciplinary care for women experiencing, or at risk of, more significant mental health difficulties.
Referrals to both services are made via the maternity team, GP or Health Visitor, and women are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their midwife.
Supporting parents when babies cry
Support is available through charity, ICON, following a partnership NHSGGC announced with the national charity last year. Crying is a normal part of infant development, but it can be overwhelming, particularly when parents are tired or under stress. ICON aims to support parental mental well-being and reduce stress by helping parents understand infant crying and cope safely during difficult moments.
Laura Gordon, NHSGGC Health Visiting Team Leader, said: “Understanding that crying is a normal part of development, and knowing how to stay calm and seek support, can make a real difference. ICON is an excellent resource, particularly the ‘normal crying curve’, which reassures parents that this phase will ease as their baby grows.”
Anyone can access ICON at: https://iconcope.org/
Further help and support
Anyone concerned about their mental health, or the well-being of someone close to them, is encouraged to speak to a midwife, GP or health visitor, or contact NHS 24 on 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Useful information and support:
- NHS 24 – 111
- Carer’s Information and Support Line – 0141 353 6504
- Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87
- Samaritans Glasgow (24 hours) – 0141 248 4488
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Third Sector Service Directory – Inspiring Scotland
- www.medicinesinpregnancy.org