Surge in rate of new mothers dying from suicide

The briefing paper from Mental Health Reform, called Perinatal Suicide in Ireland, found that the 'majority of maternal suicides occur' between 42 days and one year after giving birth.

There has been a surge in the rate of new mothers dying from suicide, according to a briefing paper from Mental Health Reform.

The report said eight of the 24 deaths of new mothers between 2019 to 2021 were at their own hands (33%). That compares to 12.3% of maternal deaths analysed over the period from 2009 to 2021. 

The report is based on figures from UCC’s National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre. That research noted “a statistically significant increase in deaths due to suicide during pregnancy and up to one year postnatally."

The briefing paper from Mental Health Reform, called Perinatal Suicide in Ireland, found that the “majority of maternal suicides occur” between 42 days and one year after giving birth.

The paper says however that despite this, the government’s mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, defines perinatal death from 22 weeks gestation to just seven days after birth.

The paper continues: “In practice, postnatal follow-up by a GP or community health nurse typically occurs within the first six weeks following giving birth.

“While this timeframe may be adequate for monitoring physical recovery, it is insufficient for identifying mental health difficulties or suicidality that emerge after 42 days.” 

It adds: “Longitudinal research on maternal healthcare in Ireland found that at a three-month postpartum health visit 49% of people were not asked about low mood or depression by their doctor, and almost 36% were not asked by their public health nurse.” 

GPs unprepared in perinatal mental health

The paper says that even though training and research in perinatal mental health is taking place in Ireland, “they are not delivered under any formal structure”.

Mental Health Reform says this leaves general health practitioners “feeling unprepared to manage perinatal mental health difficulties and prevents people from accessing mental health support referrals".

It concludes that further research is required to better understand the pathways to maternal suicide and the barriers to a timely intervention within existing services.

It adds: “A coordinated national conversation, supported by ongoing evaluation, structured national training, and open policy dialogue, is essential to strengthen detection and improve referral pathways, service integration, and specialist care provision, including extended monitoring beyond the early postpartum period.”