6 week mother and baby check

Maternal postnatal template

Mental health screening questions

• Is motherhood everything you thought it would be?
• In the past month have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?
• In the past month have you often felt down, depressed or hopeless?
• During the past month have you been feeling anxious, nervous or on edge?
• During the past month have you not been able to stop or control worrying?
• Is this something we can help you with?

link to RCGP perinatal mental health toolkit

Domestic Abuse screening questions

• How are things at home?
• Have you ever felt frightened or had to change your behaviour due to someone you have a close relationship with?

Social Support

• Who is at home to support you?
• Have you or your family ever received help or support from children’s services?
• How is your partner coping with parenthood? (If concerns consider need to offer partner an appointment)

Postnatal health education

• Do you feel your baby is crying excessively?
• ICON advice discussed and leaflet given
• Safe sleeping advice (including avoiding co-sleeping)
• Dadpad for support for partners (not yet a free resource)

Physical health

• Type of delivery
• Feeding details
• Postnatal examination
• Contraception
• Smear
• Smoking status
• Alcohol consumption
• History of substance misuse

Click here for formal evaluation