NHS targets postnatal depression

Mothers will receive one-to-one care from a named midwife as part of government plans to combat postnatal depression.

Women who have a miscarriage or stillbirth and parents who suffer the death of a baby will also be offered extra support from the NHS.

Health workers will be given training so they can spot the early signs of postnatal depression.

The moves were welcomed by parenting forums and by the Royal College of Midwives. The college estimated that 5,000 more midwives would be needed to deliver the care proposed.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 10-15 per cent of new mothers get postnatal depression.