Calls for establishment of perinatal mental health unit for mothers and babies

Planning for Ireland's first mother and baby unit, to be located on St Vincent’s Hospital campus, Dublin, is currently under way, but there is currently no facility in the country. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

A dedicated mother and baby unit to support perinatal women suffering from severe mental health issues must be urgently established, campaigners say.

Mental health difficulties in the perinatal period are common, with one in five women reporting this experience in pregnancy or in the first year after birth.