Periparto – Mental Health Around Birth
Perinatal mental health conditions are more common than many people realise. Up to one in five mothers and one in ten fathers experience a mental health crisis around the time of birth – in Switzerland, this affects tens of thousands of families every year. You are not alone.
Perinatal mental health spans the entire journey of becoming a family – not just the weeks around birth. It encompasses the desire for a child, family planning, and pregnancy too. Not everyone moves through these stages in a straight line: some people face setbacks and deeply painful moments, while for others things seem to fall into place. And even under the most favourable circumstances, pressures can build and tip into a mental health crisis. Having a child changes everything – sometimes in ways you never anticipated. Here you will find understanding, guidance, and support – for you and your family.
Self-test – take a few minutes to check in with yourself.
Personal stories – from people who know what it feels like.
Contact us – our counselling is free of charge. We are here for you.
How can we help?
We support those affected, assist healthcare and social professionals, and raise awareness among employers and society about mental health around birth.
Mental health challenges can arise at any stage
From the desire for a child to early childhood – learn more, recognise the warning signs, and find the support that is right for your situation.
News
Sunday, 10 May 2026
Mother's Day: Applause for the Invisible StrugglesOn Mother's Day, we celebrate the love and dedication of mothers. Yet for many, this journey is marked by challenges that remain hidden behind a brave face. Rebekka's story reminds us: true strength often lies in accepting help.
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
6 May 2026: World Maternal Mental Health Day – Together We Are Stronger.A mental health crisis around birth can be one of the loneliest experiences there is — as though an invisible wall has gone up between you and everyone else. Today, on World Maternal Mental Health Day, we want to help bring that wall down. This year's global theme is «Stronger Together», and it is a message we believe in wholeheartedly: wherever you are in Switzerland, whatever you are going through — you are not alone.
Monday, 4 May 2026
From Postpartale Depression Schweiz to Periparto – new name, new website, broader scopeA new name, a broader perspective and a website that makes both visible. Find out here what has changed and what drives us.
Sunday, 10 May 2026
Mother's Day: Applause for the Invisible StrugglesOn Mother's Day, we celebrate the love and dedication of mothers. Yet for many, this journey is marked by challenges that remain hidden behind a brave face. Rebekka's story reminds us: true strength often lies in accepting help.
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
6 May 2026: World Maternal Mental Health Day – Together We Are Stronger.A mental health crisis around birth can be one of the loneliest experiences there is — as though an invisible wall has gone up between you and everyone else. Today, on World Maternal Mental Health Day, we want to help bring that wall down. This year's global theme is «Stronger Together», and it is a message we believe in wholeheartedly: wherever you are in Switzerland, whatever you are going through — you are not alone.
Monday, 4 May 2026
From Postpartale Depression Schweiz to Periparto – new name, new website, broader scopeA new name, a broader perspective and a website that makes both visible. Find out here what has changed and what drives us.
Who we are
Periparto (formerly Postpartum Depression Switzerland) is the only non-profit organisation in Switzerland dedicated exclusively to perinatal mental health – from pregnancy through early parenthood. As the heart of a network bringing together professionals and people with lived experience, we work to make mental health support during this life stage a matter of course – nationwide, accessible, and for everyone.
Get involved with us
The time around birth is one of the most profound – and most vulnerable – phases in a family's life. Your support makes a difference: so that no one has to go through it alone.
- Donate – Your support can change lives
- Become a member – Join a movement for mental health around birth
- Help out – Have you been affected yourself? Your experience can light the way for others
