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It is vital that healthcare practitioners understand the psychological impact of childbirth when caring for women. This accessible guide is designed to improve the care that women receive and, as a result, public health outcomes related to maternal and infant wellbeing. This book outlines how clinicians can offer practical support to women after birth. It: discusses what we know about how women adapt to motherhood and develop a post-childbirth identity; outlines some of the causes and manifestations of post-traumatic stress following childbirth; provides practical guidance for setting up postnatal pathways for women traumatised by birth and how to communicate effectively; equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to support pregnant women with a fear of birth; incorporates narratives from women to demonstrate how their births and related events were perceived and processed, before discussing how women's views can be used to inform future practice; highlights the importance of restorative supervision for healthcare professionals working in this area to promote staff resilience and sustainability. Drawing together theoretical knowledge, evidence, practical skills and women's narratives to help clinicians understand the psychology of childbirth and support women, it is of significant value to all healthcare practitioners engaged in maternity services.

Another Twinkle in the Eye is an essential guide for anyone contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness. The decision to bring a child into the world is rarely one that is taken lightly. When a previous pregnancy and early parenthood has resulted in poor maternal and/or paternal perinatal mental health, making a conscious decision to have another baby can be even more challenging.This unique book provides facts, resources, and discussion points to support people in making informed and comfortable decisions. It is also an essential resource for health professionals who support or are involved in the decision-making process of couples planning another pregnancy.The author combines personal experience with real-life stories from other parents. Also included are contributions from healthcare professionals. The book offers comprehensive coverage across five key areas: Reflection on the previous pregnancy, miscarriage or stillbirth, Decisions to be made when considering another pregnancy, Ways to plan for and to have a healthier experience, The role of healthcare professionals and facilities, and Self-help and complementary techniques for good mental health in the perinatal period.

Mood and anxiety disorders are very common during the perinatal period, with severe consequences not only for the mother but also for the child and the whole family. Recent research has shown how maternal stress, anxiety and depression can adversely influence a child's early and later development. It is therefore widely accepted that mental disorders in the perinatal period require special attention and uniquely modified treatments including pharmacological, nonpharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches. In this volume, a group of internationally renowned experts review the most important topics of the field from both a clinical as well as a preclinical perspective - the history of psychiatry of motherhood, questions of classification of these disorders, the effects of chronic maternal stress on fetal development and a child's vulnerability to later psychiatric illness, the risk of perinatal infanticide and suicide and finally the most important forms and modifications of therapies for perinatal mental disorders including questions of pharmacotherapy during pregnancy and breast-feeding, the relevance of gonadal hormones, specific forms of psychotherapy as well as alternative treatment strategies for pregnant and breast-feeding women. In this book, clinicians and researchers from the fields of psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, neurobiology and psychoneuroendocrinology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology as well as their students will find valuable information for their daily work.