Birth trauma and pregnancy-related distress are common issues for women and birthing people. The North Cumbria Maternal Mental Health Service (MMHS) was established in March 2022 in direct response to the NHS (NHS, 2019a), which called for the implementation of regional maternal mental health services and support networks. This paper evaluates the performance and effectiveness of the North Cumbria MMHS during the 2023-24 financial year, taking into account local and national challenges and their clinical implications. Patient outcome data, collected using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10 and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, were analyzed to assess service effectiveness across 2023-24. A thematic analysis was conducted of all qualitative patient feedback. A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed a significant reduction in psychological distress and a significant increase in mental well-being post-intervention (p = .005). Most participant feedback was positive, and thematic analysis yielded five key themes: the importance of the therapeutic relationship, gratitude, the return to self, tools for moving forward, and areas for improvement. In conclusion, notable improvements in post-treatment outcomes were observed, and patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The data indicate that, despite significant challenges, the North Cumbria MMHS provides a vital and effective service to women and birthing people, offering unique insight into regional MMHS operations.
Keywords: maternal mental health, maternity, maternal, NHS, perinatal mental health, birth trauma, perinatal loss, Ockenden