Will my baby be taken away if I have a serious mental health issue?

Social services will never take a baby into care just because the mother has a mental health problem.

Mental health problems can usually be managed through medication and/or talking (psychological) therapies. That’s why it’s important to tell your midwife or doctor about your mental health condition, even if you have been feeling well for a long time. This will help them organise any treatment or extra care you may need if you become unwell again.

Some women worry that if they ask for help for their symptoms, people may think they are a bad parent and can’t care for their baby. In fact, the opposite is true. Asking for help and getting the right treatment means you are doing the best for your baby. This is good parenting.

Social services will only take a baby into care if they believe you, or your partner if you have one, cannot look after them safely (because of a mental health problem or for any other reason).

Healthcare professionals work really hard to support parents with mental health problems so they can look after their children. Don’t be afraid to tell your midwife, doctor or health visitor how you’re feeling at any time.

Review dates
Reviewed: 11 October 2018
Next review: 11 October 2021

This content is currently being reviewed by our team. Updated information will be coming soon.