Perinatal psychiatrist
"My role extends beyond the mother. I’m looking after the unborn and new-born babies. Supporting partners and families. Making sure the relationship between mother and baby is right."
The video and information below explains what a Perinatal Psychiatrist does, what makes the specialty different from others in psychiatry, and why it might be a great career choice for you.
Perinatal psychiatrists treat people at an extremely sensitive period in their lives, around pregnancy and after childbirth.
An episode of illness at this time has a profound effect on the patient, their relationships, family and child.
There can be great satisfaction in working with people at this time or preventing such an illness.
Perinatal services vary across the country, but tend to comprise both Mother and Baby Units and specialist community mental health team.
Perinatal psychiatrists work in a multidisciplinary team, and also closely with health visitors, midwives, general practitioners and obstetricians.