Abstract
This research snapshot highlights key findings from the NZCYES report, Use of secondary and specialist care for the management of postnatal mental health. Prenatal mental health is a strong predictor of postnatal parental and infant wellbeing. In turn, the earliest years of an infant’s life can shape their mental wellbeing throughout life. Here, we sought to understand secondary mental health service use during the postnatal period among a national cohort of birthing parents. As risk of mental health issues is known to extend beyond the 6 weeks following birth, we examined secondary mental health care over a period of up to 3 years postnatally.