Pregnant women and new mums in mental health funding boost

NHS England is spending £40m on doctors and other specialist mental health workers as part of its drive to help 30,000 more women by 2021.

At present, more than half of the country provides only basic services.

One in five women experiences severe depression or in some cases psychosis around the time of childbirth.

The funding will pay for more nurses and psychiatrists to provide specialist care for women in their homes and in maternity units, by giving advice on medication and lifestyle, counselling them and helping to minimise the risks to mother and baby if they become ill.

The money will also go towards providing buddying and telephone support from mothers who have had similar issues.

Some of the 20 areas to receive a share of the £40m include Bristol, Birmingham and Northumberland.

NHS England says another £20m will be shared out in 2017.