The National Women's Council has recommended better integration of specialist perinatal mental health services with general maternity, primary care and other mental health services.
It follows a roundtable discussion around perinatal mental health, which was convened by the NWC last November.
Diverse participants took part including representatives from mental health services, advocacy groups, academics, Traveller women, migrant women, and women with lived experience of mental health difficulties.
Up to 20% of women experience mental health difficulties during the perinatal period which impacts maternal and infant well-being.
Perinatal refers to the late stages of pregnancy, the labour and delivery process, and the initial days following childbirth. Perinatal mental health issues include anxiety, mild to severe depression, stress and adjustment difficulties.
One-in-five women encounter a mental health difficulty during the perinatal period, according to research.
The panel noted that the absence of a dedicated mother and baby unit in Ireland, resource shortages, and workforce constraints are exacerbating the problems for women.
Currently, mothers are separated from their newborn babies when inpatient treatment is required in Ireland.
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The NWC has said a dedicated mother and baby unit should be established at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin.
The roundtable also focused on the experiences of marginalised women including migrant women, Traveller women and Roma women who often face inequalities when accessing care and supports.
The council has recommended that perinatal mental health policies should be informed by gender sensitive approaches and trauma informed practices.
Perinatal bereavement and trauma services including palliative care services should be improved along with a secure and sustainable investment in the HSE's perinatal mental health services.
