A HUGE funding boost has been given to boost the mental health of new mums.

The funding will be made available to improve the mental health of around 3,000 pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.

The £23m funding is part of a major programme of improvement and investment by NHS England.

It will see a total of 30,000 additional women getting specialist mental health care in person and through online consultations.

Perinatal mental ill health affects up to 20 per cent of women during pregnancy and in their first year after giving birth.

Claire Murdoch, director of mental health for NHS England, said: “With so many new mums having the joy of motherhood interrupted by mental ill health, improving care, investment and focus on this issue, is crucial.

“Falling pregnant and becoming a mum is a hugely emotional experience, so having expert support available, including working with people’s partners as well as their wider family and social networks, to help manage the upheaval, means that women who are experiencing mental health issues don’t have to suffer and struggle alone.

“Improving community access to mental health care is the cornerstone of NHS plans to improve services, and the £60m investment in perinatal mental health will mean women and their families get targeted, specialised support at one of the most important periods of life.”