7th May 2025
As part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 (#MMHAW25 #maternalMHmatters), the Institute of Health Visiting shines a spotlight on the importance of maternal mental health by publishing the latest iHV Podcast with Leanne Howlett, a specialist perinatal mental health nurse and expert by lived experience.
Leanne Howlett
Mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth are common and, without treatment, can have a significant impact on parents and their families with long lasting consequences. Perinatal mental health problems affect around one in four women1 and maternal suicide continues to be the leading cause of direct deaths between six weeks and one year after birth2.
Holding the importance of this subject in mind, today on World Maternal Mental Health Day, we are delighted to share our latest iHV podcast on today’s daily theme of “Stronger Together”.
In this episode, Natalie Mosson-Kelly, iHV Professional Development Officer for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, is joined by Leanne Howlett. Leanne is a specialist perinatal mental health nurse, expert by lived experience and honorary iHV Fellow.
Leanne and Natalie explore the daily theme of “Stronger Together” by considering the profound impact of mental health on parenthood as Leanne shares her own journey through perinatal mental health challenges. They also discuss the importance of understanding mental health, the journey to recovery and the critical role of interconnected support systems in helping parents navigate perinatal mental health problems – with particular focus on the role of health visitors in supporting families.
To listen to this podcast, click on the arrow in the image below or on the link below:
Natalie Mosson-Kelly, iHV Professional Development Officer for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
References
- Howard LM, Ryan EG, Trevillion K, Anderson F, Bick D, Bye A et al. Accuracy of the Whooley questions and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in identifying depression and other mental disorders in early pregnancy. Br J Psychiatry. 2018 Jan; 212(1): 50–56.
- MBRRACE-UK. Maternal, Newborn and Infant Clinical Outcome Review Programme Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Car. 2024 [accessed 29 Apr 2025]. Available from: https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/assets/downloads/mbrrace-uk/reports/maternal-report-2024/MBRRACE-UK%20Maternal%20MAIN%20Report%202024%20V2.0%20ONLINE.pdf
