West Middlesex Hospital has set up a team to help the one in 10 new mums suffering depression before or after birth.

The Isleworth hospital's Perinatal Mental Health Team will teach women and their families, as well as fellow NHS staff, about the increased risk of depression during and after pregnancy.

By helping them recognise the warning signs, it is hoped, they will be better prepared to offer support and advice if needed.

Around one in 10 new mothers will experience some form of mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year of their baby's life, according to the hospital.

While most will only suffer mild depression, some develop a severe depressive illness and in 2012/13 six women died due to mental health problems associated with birth.

Perinatal mental health midwife specialist Julia Lidderdale said: "Mental illness still carries a stigma, and for new mothers it can be particularly difficult to admit they are not just experiencing 'baby blues' and struggling to adapt to sleepless nights and the added responsibility of looking after their baby.

"It is important that perinatal mental health is recognised as a condition, so that treatment can be sought and offered."

The perinatal mental health team comprises specialist midwives, obstetricians, mental health specialists and a GP to ensure a joined up approach both within the hospital and in the community wherever pregnant and new mothers will access health services.

The project is only funded for 10 months but the hospital hopes its legacy will last much longer.