Perinatal mental health care: Best practice principles for midwives, public health nurses and practice nurses (30 May 2022)

Summary

Midwives, public health nurses and practice nurses are in an ideal position to address mental health and emotional well-being with women in the perinatal period. However, research involving midwives, public health nurses and practice nurses in Ireland indicates that there is considerable variation in perinatal mental health assessment and care. All three groups identify the following issues as barriers to addressing perinatal mental health issues:

• Lack of knowledge on the range of perinatal mental health problems
• Lack of skill in opening a discussion and developing a plan of care with women
• Organisational issues, such as lack of policies, guidelines and care pathways

This document produced by the Irish Health Service Executive, aims to provide an evidence-based guidance document for midwives, public health nurses and practice nurses in the area of perinatal mental health care.

Content

The document consists of 25 key principles that should underpin midwifery and nursing practice. The principles span the maternity care, from preconception to the postnatal period, and address the following dimensions of practice:

• Collaborative practice
• Informed decision making
• Proactive planning
• Emotional safe care
• Multidisciplinary working