Supporting the transition to parenthood by https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks Why it matters for infant mental health en-us 2022-06-14 10:08:40 UTC 2022-06-15 11:15:59 UTC hello@padlet.com 1. How transition to parenthood is linked to infant mental health eilidhmcivorpt https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221669354 Bonding and attachment are two behaviours that rely heavily upon a caregiver's ability to be attuned to the emotional state and needs of their infant. 

However, if parents are struggling to cope with the (often) seismic shifts in their routine, lifestyle, responsibilities, social role and personal identity, their own emotions and feelings can make it very difficult for them to be attuned. 

Parents and babies also form a dyad/triad: the mental health and emotional states of the parents are so intrinsically linked to those of their infant (Daeve et. al., 2008).]]> 2022-06-15 07:10:06 UTC https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221669354 2. Common feelings and emotions eilidhmcivorpt https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221674487 Distress; grief; fear; overwhelm; shock; insecurity; confusion; guilt; irritability; impatience; restlessness; exhaustion and many more... 

All of which are compounded by:

Sleep deprivation, 'learning on the job', postpartum hormonal changes, psychological processing of the birth and a powerful, highly critical and unrealistic social context.

(Dixon & Schmied, 2019).]]> 2022-06-15 07:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221674487 3. Who is most likely to 'transition well' eilidhmcivorpt https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221688727 -Those with strong, pre-existing psychological resources (e.g. feelings of self-efficacy, self-esteem and sense of control over one's life); 
-Those with strong physical, emotional and social support.
(Belsky, 1984).  

This already creates the potential for inequality of outcome, which is compounded further by evidence showing that those facing any sort of disadvantage are less likely to 'transition well', and that even those who do not subscribe to intensive ideologies about how to be a perfect mother are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and guilt (Henderson et. al., 2015) .  ]]> 2022-06-15 07:31:29 UTC https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221688727 4. Midwifery care? eilidhmcivorpt https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221700366 -Evidence suggests that parents are, overwhelming, unprepared for the demands of parenthood and the emotions and feelings it can bring; 

-What is the role of antenatal care here, including antenatal classes? Is there scope/would it be appropriate to invite new parents to discuss their experiences, for example?;

-Should midwives have open, upfront and honest conversations antenatally about how parents may feel as they transition to their new roles as parents, to help remove some of the stigma and better support the transition?;

-Medical care for mental health difficulties is extremely important. However, is this yet more evidence that postnatal care is falling short? What else can we do postnatally to normalise these feelings and support women and families through this time? (Brodrick & Williamson, 2020).]]> 2022-06-15 07:45:12 UTC https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221700366 References eilidhmcivorpt https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221715577 Belsky, J. (1984). The determinants of parenting: a process model. Child development. 55 (1). pp.83-96. https://doi.org/10.2307/1129836

Brodrick, A. & Williamson, E. (2020). Listening to women after childbirth. Taylor & Francis.

Deave, T., Johnson, D. & Ingram, J. (2008). Transition to parenthood: the needs of parents in pregnancy and early parenthood. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 8, https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-8-30

Dixon, L. & Schmied, V. (2019). Supporting women becoming mothers. In S. Pairman, Midwifery: Preparation for Practice. (4th ed.). Elsevier.

Glazebrook, K. & Ranger, S. (2022) The Leeds Infant Mental Health Service: early relationships matter. Journal of reproductive and infant psychology 40:1, 91-104, DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2020.1828842

Henderson, A., Harmon, S. & Newman, H. (2015). The Price Mothers Pay, Even When They Are Not Buying It: Mental Health Consequences of Idealized Motherhood. Sex Roles 74, 512–526. https://doi-org.napier.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s11199-015-0534-5 

Tommys (2022) Losing your identity after having a baby https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/loss-identity-after-having-baby ]]> 2022-06-15 08:03:27 UTC https://padlet.com/eilidhmcivorpt/Bookmarks/wish/2221715577