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Pregnant women are expected to glow, and new mothers are expected to bask in the delight of their baby. But for some women, this is a time of unsettling mood shifts and uncertainty. One in ten women experience clinical depression either during pregnancy or in the postnatal period, while the majority of new mothers face the 'blues', anxiety and other emotional changes. Overcoming Baby Blues shares intimate stories of mothers' experiences with depression and other mood problems during pregnancy and their baby's first year. Their stories shine with wisdom, humour and fortitude. Also included are research-based guidelines on assessing moods, causes of perinatal depression, and effective management strategies. Safety of medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding is covered, as are suggestions for adapting diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms, and advice for partners.
List of contents
List of tables and figures..Preface..Introduction: From blue to black and beyond..1. What are perinatal mood disorders?..2. Risk factors for perinatal mood problems..3. Screening for perinatal depression..4. Diagnosis and treatment options..5. Protecting yourself with realistic expectations..6. Learning to live in motherland..7. Do you need help?..8. Where to get help..9. Tackling stigma and mothers' guilt..10. Managing a mood disorder and maintaining recovery..11. Fathers and the extended family..12. Mothers' strategies..Appendix: Medications in the perinatal period..Glossary..Notes..Index
About the author
Professor Gordon Parker is Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales and the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute which is a research, clinical, education and training facility for mood disorders. He is an active researcher and, in 2003, was awarded a Citation Laureate for being one of the most highly cited Australians in the fields of Psychiatry and Psychology
Summary
Pregnant women are expected to glow, and new mothers are expected to bask in the delight of their baby. But for some women, this is a time of unsettling mood shifts and uncertainty. One in ten women experience clinical depression either during pregnancy or in the postnatal period, while the majority of new mothers face the 'blues', anxiety and other emotional changes.
Overcoming Baby Blues shares intimate stories of mothers' experiences with depression and other mood problems during pregnancy and their baby's first year. Their stories shine with wisdom, humour and fortitude. Also included are research-based guidelines on assessing moods, causes of perinatal depression, and effective management strategies. Safety of medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding is covered, as are suggestions for adapting diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms, and advice for partners.
Report
An insightful read for pregnant and new mothers. Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
