Somerset Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Service

18/05/2026

Getting the right emotional support when trying to navigate baby loss can make an enormous difference.

While we have previously been able to offer counselling to women and birthing people in Somerset, we know how important it is that both parents are supported equally. That’s why we have partnered with Petals, a specialist charity offering free counselling for anyone who has sadly experienced the loss of a baby.

Petals provides counselling designed specifically for parents coping with pregnancy complications, the loss of a pregnancy or the death of a baby. Their counsellors are experts, bringing many years of experience in supporting families through all types of baby loss.

Thanks to this partnership, free counselling from Petals is now available to parents in Somerset who have experienced a baby loss within the last year.

We hope this service will offer comfort, connection and a safe space for families navigating incredibly difficult times. We are truly grateful to be able to bring this support to our community❤️

18/05/2026

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure. It can have serious complications but there are treatments that can help.

Pre-eclampsia is most likely from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, but it can happen at any point in pregnancy.

In most cases pre-eclampsia is not severe.

For more information on symptoms and treatments visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/

15/05/2026

No one should suffer in silence, there is so much support out there to access so please reach out if you are struggling!

Thankyou to All on the Board for raising awareness and writing these meaningful words.

15/05/2026

Bonding does not always feel obvious. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is practical. Sometimes it is simply you showing up again and again. The Pandas Foundation (Pre And PostNatal Depression Advice and Support) 'Our Moments' Tracker is here to help you notice what may already be happening. Look out for these yourself, or ask others to notice for you,

Top 10 Small Signs Bonding May Be Building

- Your baby settles (even slightly) when you hold them.
- They turn toward your voice or face.
- You respond to their cry, even when you’re tired.
- You’re starting to recognise different cries or cues.
- You notice something new about them.
- They make brief eye contact with you.
- You adjust how you hold them to make them comfortable.
- You check on them without thinking about it.
- You feel relief when they settle.
- You keep showing up.

Sometimes it is hard to see bonding from the inside. You might ask a partner, close friend, family member or healthcare professional if they have noticed moments of connection between you and your baby. You could ask, “Have you noticed any times where we seem connected?” Other people often see gentleness, responsiveness and warmth that you may not yet feel. Their perspective can help validate what is already there.

There is no right way to record a moment. You might write a single word, a short sentence, draw a small symbol, add a heart, take a photo, or simply place a tick to say “we had something today.” It could be as simple as “Eye contact,” “She settled,” “Felt calmer,” or “We tried.” The format does not matter. What matters is noticing.

You may write something down and still not feel bonded. That does not mean a bond is not building. Bonding can grow through action before it grows through emotion. Looking back over small moments across a month can help you see what is difficult to feel day to day. You are allowed to grow into this.

14/05/2026

As we near the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a good reminder that small actions can make a real difference to our mental well-being 💜

Find out more here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Good mental health for all. Dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems.

14/05/2026

Around 64% of women in antenatal mental health care say they struggle to bond with their baby.

Last month, Pandas Foundation (Pre And PostNatal Depression Advice and Support) launched their "Our Moments Tracker", a free downloadable tool for parents who want to focus on the small moments rather than the pressure to instantly bond. With 'Our Moments Tracker,' PANDAS want to release that pressure and give parents something they can be in control of, a way to recognise the connection that is already forming.

Bonding doesn’t always happen in one big moment. Sometimes it happens slowly, quietly, and in ways that might otherwise go unnoticed:
- A smile.
- A tiny hand reaching for yours
- Your baby falling asleep in your arms.

These are all moments on the road to bonding. You have a bond with your baby in your own way, and in your own time, it will grow.

If you are worried or struggling, please use the "Our Moments Tracker" by visiting https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ourmomentstracker/

[Illustration by Tori for PANDAS 🙏]

13/05/2026

great opportunity for anyone about to embark on the journey of introducing solids to their little one!

free to attend tomorrow night- (online)

📆Weaning Your Baby Webinar- Thursday 14th May 2026 at 7:30pm
📲Families can register using the following link: https://earlystartnutrition.com/.../weaning-your-baby.../
The webinar covers:
✅What foods to offer
✅Mealtime routine and recipe ideas
✅Examples of food textures – from purees to lumpy and finger foods
✅How to support baby at mealtimes
✅Drinks for baby with advice on introducing a cup

Nutrition Courses for Families
If families are unable to attend the above webinars, we also have a number of free courses providing information, tips and practical resources.
☑️Feeding Your Baby in the First Year
☑️Fussy Eating Strategies for Families

Families can sign up to the courses here: https://earlystartnutrition.com/family-nutrition/

13/05/2026

Your feedback would be gratefully recieved!

Parents and primary caregivers... You'll probably be familiar with the Red Book. We're carrying out some research to understand how you use it as part of looking after your child's health.

Do you have 10 minutes to help us out? Follow the link to complete our survey - thank you!

➡️ https://feedback.digital.nhs.uk/jfe/form/SV_5vGwvkdSffnJNAO

13/05/2026

The best time to review any medicines you are taking is before you are pregnant. Speak to your GP about reviewing the medicines you are using. You will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of medication in pregnancy. You doctor may refer you to more specialist services to help you make the best choices.

Stopping a medicine that is important to your health could cause more harm to you and your baby than any possible risks to the baby from the medicine itself.

It is very important that you do not make any changes to the medicines you are using without first consulting your doctor or midwife.

For more information on medication in pregnancy visit the BUMPS website.

12/05/2026

Today is nurses’ day and we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate each and every one of you both within our team and in the wider Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Thankyou for the compassion you show our patients, the support you give to clients and to each other, and your continued dedication and commitment in providing high quality care.

We’re proud to work alongside so many wonderful nurses every day, but would like to give a special shout out today to the incredible nurses within the perinatal and maternal mental health service!

If you feel comfortable to share, in the comments you are offered to say thank you, or share a moment when one of our nurses went above and beyond for you ⭐