This is a well-presented text that addresses important issues for women and midwives. Mental ill health affects a significant number of women and their families and pregnancy and childbirth may be the trigger or lead to an exacerbation of existing illness. Midwives meet women experiencing anxiety and depression on a daily basis yet offering women appropriate care, advice and support can be a challenge. Recent reports highlight the significance of mental health in pregnancy and childbirth and this text provides a timely opportunity to review and develop knowledge.
The authors are from midwifery and mental health backgrounds and each clearly explore the issues. Although chapters can be read in isolation, the role of the midwife and the impact of the issues raised on women’s lives is present as a constant theme. All midwives, not just those working in specialist fields, will find this title useful in supporting practice.
Price S. (Ed.). (2007) Mental health in pregnancy and childbirth. Churchill Livingstone: Oxford. ISBN: 0 4431 0317 8
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