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Men’s attitudes to reproductive decision making and their psychosocial and relational adjustment during the transition to parenthood have received limited theoretical and research attention. This chapter explores the transition to parenthood from the perspective of fathers and evaluates the extent to which psychological theories that were developed in the context of traditional views of women and femininity apply. The chapter reviews research on how fathers come to terms with the reality of pregnancy, develop a relationship with the unborn baby, and restructure their work and social networks in anticipation of becoming a parent. Challenging contexts for fatherhood, changing gender role expectations and tendencies of services to marginalise or ignore father needs are discussed.
This chapter synthesises psychological theory and research on how women adapt to pregnancy – the changes in their own bodies, the developing baby within, the integration of a maternal identity, and the renegotiation of relationships with partners, and others. Challenging pregnancy contexts are examined: unplanned pregnancies, disability, ‘off-time’ pregnancies, and the chapter concludes with an overview of psychological wellbeing during pregnancy, and different orientations to motherhood.
Women experiencing postpartum mental illness have unique needs. Psychiatric Mother Baby Units (MBUs) can provide specialist in-patient care for mothers without separation from their baby. Since 2018, an innovative Mother-Baby Day Hospital (MBDH) have been developed and implemented in a public hospital in Spain, directed at the intensive, integral, and multidisciplinary treatment.
Objectives
The aim of the present study was to obtain preliminary data regarding its effectiveness in postpartum women with affective and anxiety disorders.
Methods
Thirty-three mothers and their babies with affective or anxiety disorders attended to MBDH CLINIC-BCN participated in the study. All women were assessed at admission, discharge, and 3 months follow-up. Primary outcomes were depression (EPDS) and anxiety symptoms (STAI-S), mother-infant bonding (PBQ) and functional impairment (HoNOs).
Results
At discharge, 100% of women no longer met the full criteria for the main diagnosis (PSR≥5). Significant improvements from admission to discharge were achieved in depression and anxiety symptoms, mother infant bonding and functional impairment. Clinical significance was also calculated. After treatment, mothers had greater autonomy for care their babies. Similar results were observed at 3 months follow-up. The MBDH was rated by mothers as an excellent quality program and they would recommend it.
Conclusions
This study found that multidisciplinary intervention at MBDH for postpartum women with affective or anxiety disorders is effective, not only for maternal psychopathology but also for maternal care and bonding. It is imperative to develop specialized devices that integrate the care of the dyad by professionals specialized in perinatal mental health.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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