ABSTRACT Introduction: Childbirth experience is shaped by the labor and delivery process. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childbirth experience, subsequent postpartum maternal functioning and mental health. Methods: A total of 483 mothers in the first 4–16 weeks postpartum participated in this cross-sectional study. The cluster random sampling method was used to select

ABSTRACT Objective: This study provides a theory-based snapshot of the processes involved in women’s fertility intention formation and decisions regarding the timing of motherhood. Background: The trend to defer childbearing is linked with both empowering and challenging outcomes for women. The cognitive-social (C-S) model suggests that deliberative thinking regarding reproduction occurs following

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and paternal factors affecting intrauterine paternal-fetal attachment Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with fathers whose partners were over the 24th week of their pregnancies (n=174). The fathers were applied a form regarding responsibility-taking for mother and baby and the Intrauterine Father Attachment

ABSTRACT Objectives: There has been an absence of research investigating if infertility and the utilisation of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to conceive increases maternal perceptions of child vulnerability. The purpose of the current study was to assess if there were differences in maternal ratings of child vulnerability between first-time mothers who conceived using ART procedures and first-time

ABSTRACT Background: Perinatal maternal depression is the most common mood disturbance associated with pregnancy. It has grave consequences on both maternal health and wellbeing of offsprings, albeit usually neglected in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between antenatal depression(APD) and postpartum depression(PPD) and predictors of postpartum depression among

(2021). Challenges and opportunities for child health services in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 111-113.

(2021). Handbook of perinatal clinical psychology: from theory to practice. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 218-219.

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study explores whether young, low-income mothers’ prenatal attachment to their infants is related to attachment and parenting behaviour postnatally. Background: A small literature has documented continuity in maternal attachment from pregnancy to postpartum and shown that early maternal attachment is associated with positive parenting behaviour. Less is known about whether

ABSTRACT Background: Increasing evidence has linked repetitive negative thinking (RNT) to postnatal depression and anxiety, yet the factors moderating this relationship have been minimally investigated. During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, social restrictions imposed to reduce viral transmission limited access to social support, which is critical to postnatal psychological wellbeing – potentially

ABSTRACT Objective: the transition period in which men become fathers might provide an important window of opportunity for parenting interventions that may produce long-term positive effects on paternal care and, consequently, child development. Existing prenatal programs traditionally focus on maternal and infant health and seldom involve the father. Study design: This paper describes an interaction-based

ABSTRACT Background In pregnancy, the attachment relationship between a mother and her baby begins to develop and women are more motivated and willing to make changes to become more engaged and responsive mothers and have better relationships with their children. A transgenerational framework has proposed that dysfunctional relationship patterns are often repeated across generations and this has broadened

(2021). Prioritising our research networks. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 1-1.

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss and develop a statement on the current state of the evidence and opinion in Fear of Childbirth (FoC) and Tokophobia (Tocophobia), and to provide recommendations. Background: A group met in 2019 to discuss the state of clinical and academic knowledge relating to FoC/Tokophobia. Five key areas were agreed as the focus of the meeting. Methods: 12 internationally acknowledged

(2020). Supporting perinatal women in the context of the COVID-19 emergency: can web-based antenatal education classes make it possible? Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 471-473.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate empirically the degree of content overlap between four self-report measures of fear of childbirth (FoC) identified as ‘best in class’ by a recent review. Background: FoC and tokophobia is an area of increasing clinical concern and has been linked to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Clinical pathways have been established to improve care and interventions for FoC

ABSTRACT Background: Due to an absence of maternal stress being measured in routine prenatal care by clinicians, prenatal stress has become a serious problem which is associated with poorer obstetric outcomes, as well as worse maternal and infant health. For that reason, the aim of this study was the translation, validation and adaptation of Prenatal Distress Questionnaire Revised (NuPDQ) in a Spanish

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate whether a mother’s anxiety, depression, prenatal perception of childbirth, and experience with delivery, assessed from pregnancy to three months postpartum, were associated with her perception of her infant’s negative affectivity (NA). The participant sample was composed of 76 primiparous mothers and their healthy babies (58% boys, 42% girls). During

ABSTRACT Background: It has been demonstrated that infertility can affect quality of life (QoL) in infertile couples. Resilience is considered a protective factor against the distress caused by infertility and the quality of life status. There is a new definition for Fertility Quality of Life that evaluates particularly the impact of infertility on various aspects of life. Material and methods: In

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the translation and cultural adaptation, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale when applied to Brazilian pregnant women. Background Poor body image of pregnant women is associated with negative outcomes for maternal and child health. However, there is a lack of psychometric studies aiming to evaluate the body image experiences

ABSTRACT Objective The Home Parenting Education and Support (HoPES) programme is a new intensive 8-week home-visiting intervention supporting the preservation and reunification of families with young children (aged 0–4 years) receiving child protection services following child abuse and/or neglect in Australia. The aims of the study were to (a) describe families who had participated in HoPES, (b) describe

ABSTRACT Objective To validate the Italian-language version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) and report key measurement properties of the tool. To evaluate the impact of antenatal class attendance on BSS-R assessed birth satisfaction. Background Maternal satisfaction is one of the standards of care defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve the quality of services. The

ABSTRACT Introduction Infants' experience of the early caregiving environment is fundamental to the development of positive social and emotional functioning. The Leeds Infant Mental Health Service was established to provide early intervention to infantsunder two and their caregivers, where there are concerns about the attachment relationship. This paper describes preliminary data to evaluate its effectiveness

ABSTRACT Objective To gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of women with postnatal depression (PND). Background Although there is a small body of existing research which explores subjective experience of this phenomenon, relatively little research has been carried out and is prior to the publication of the NICE guidelines for PND in 2007. Method Semi-structured interviews were carried

ABSTRACT Purpose Symptoms of depression and anxiety during the perinatal period have a negative impact on mothers and their developing children. A significant body of research has demonstrated an association between mental health and both individual and interpersonal emotion regulation. Yet, this association has not been studied during the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to explore the

ABSTRACT Background Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent emotional difficulties in the perinatal period and there is agreement that early intervention is an important strategy to prevent long-lasting effects on mother and child. Literature has recently shown that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is able to measure not only depression but also anxiety. Objective To investigate

ABSTRACT Background/Objective Perinatal mental health services are a current NHS priority and services are being increased for women. There is limited research on mothers’ perspectives of these services and most research focuses on mother and baby units (MBUs). This study explored women’s views of their experiences of generic wards, MBUs and crisis resolution teams. Methods A qualitative thematic analysis

ABSTRACT Aims Comparing depression, anxiety, stress and psychopathological symptomatology in: pregnancy vs. post-partum in men and in women, marital partners’ (men vs. women) in pregnancy and in post-partum. Background During perinatal period, couples undergo emotional changes and psychopathological symptoms. Methods Descriptive-correlational-longitudinal study. Participants: Couples (n = 67; men and

ABSTRACT Background: Studies from Western countries state that video interaction guidance programmes can support caregiver sensitivity in infant-caregiver dyads. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate if Marte Meo, which is such a programme, could contribute to increasing emotional and social support towards motherless infants at an institution for motherless infants in rural Africa.

(2020). 2020 JRIP editorial: celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Society for Reproductive & Infant Psychology. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 351-353.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate a Quiz designed to enhance communication and understanding in expectant parents. Background A supportive and understanding relationship is associated with better maternal mental health outcomes. Many services therefore advocate that couples should communicate openly with each other, particularly about worries or concerns either have. To facilitate this a quiz (The Great

ABSTRACT Background In an increasingly litigious medical environment, this study examined women’s experiences of their interactions with practitioners when severe abnormalities are discovered at birth. Methods Eight in-depth interviews with women were conducted in France. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Four superordinate themes were identified: the importance

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the psychometric properties of the Maternal and Paternal Attachment Scales (MAAS/PAAS) in a Polish sample of expectant couples. Background A parental prenatal bond is important for the psychological and health outcomes of children and parents. The MAAS/PAAS is one of the well-established measures for parental prenatal bonding. However, there is a lack of Polish investigations

ABSTRACT Objectives The present study expands upon reproductive research by examining perinatal grief in couples following a miscarriage and throughout a subsequent pregnancy. The aim of the study was to address the question of whether the outcome of a successful live birth mitigates the negative impact of a previous miscarriage. Method Participants were recruited through 20 general practice surgeries

ABSTRACT Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between a mother’s current emotion regulation strategy (antecedent-focused vs. response-focused), her satisfaction with childbirth, and posttraumatic and/or depressive symptoms after unplanned C-section. Background The mother’s and baby’s health is considered a priority during childbirth. As a result, situations in

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to determine the perception of traumatic childbirth during pregnancy and the postpartum period and the postnatal mental health outcomes of traumatic childbirth perception. Methods This descriptive-longitudinal study was conducted from December 2017 to June 2018 in Turkey. The study included 248 pregnant women who were in weeks 36-40 of their pregnancies

ABSTRACT Background Given the important role of spouses during pregnancy, this study aimed to determine the effect of counseling with men on stress and social support of their women (primary outcomes), anxiety, depression, weight gain, newborns’ anthropometric indicators, frequency of cesarean section and preterm delivery (secondary outcomes). Methods 102 pregnant women were randomly assigned to two

ABSTRACT Objective To develop and evaluate Baby CHAT, a single-session psychoeducational intervention for expectant parents. Baby CHAT aims to improve parental reflective functioning (RF) and bonding. Background The early years of a child’s life, including pregnancy, are vital for healthy physical and emotional development. Caregivers who provide responsive parenting, enhanced through strong bonds

(2020). The COVID-19 pandemic and perinatal mental health. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 223-225.

ABSTRACT Background Evidence shows that traumatic childbirth can cause ongoing distress, often referred to as birth trauma. This can have an impact on parents and the couple relationship, and consequently identifying and supporting parents with birth trauma is important to practice. Aim To investigate the experiences of health-care practitioners from the United Kingdom (UK) in assessment for birth

ABSTRACT Background The stress experienced during pregnancy and the decrease in marital satisfaction affects the quality of life of the woman negatively. Objective This study conducted to determine the quality of life and the relationship with perceived stress and marital satisfaction in pregnant women with ART. Methods This study is a descriptive and corelational study. The study sample consisted

ABSTRACT Objective This observational study was designed to evaluate risk factors and distribution of Adjustment Disorder (AD) and Postnatal Depression (PPD), after delivery and a positive screening at Camposampiero Hospital (2012–2017). Background After childbirth, women are vulnerable to develop psychological disorders. Since the effects of psychopathology are relevant, prevention and early intervention

ABSTRACT Introduction The fact that little is yet known about the possible implications of COVID-19 for pregnancy, puts pregnant women at greater risk of heightened anxiety and psychological distress. In this study, we sought to explore the psychological distress and COVID-19-related anxiety of pregnant women during the crisis. Methods Israeli Jewish and Arab pregnant women (n = 336) aged 20–47 completed

(2020). Transforming infant wellbeing: research, policy and practice for the first 1001 critical days. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 468-469.

ABSTRACT Background There is a lack of information on how maternal stress coping styles during admission of the newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) influences the onset of the postpartum depression (PPD). We examined potential risk factors for the emergence of the PPD in mothers whose infants were admitted to the NICU. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 401 mothers, 125

ABSTRACT Background: Up to 33% of women report a negative or traumatic childbirth experience. Given this high prevalence and its consistent association with adverse postpartum and child outcomes, it is essential to identify predictive factors and to improve the management of the childbirth experience. Objective: This systematic review explores and identifies risk and protective factors for women’s

ABSTRACT Background The form of parental support during pregnancy is constantly changing due to developments in society. ‘Psycho-prophylaxis training’ is a form of parental support used in preparation for childbirth. Only a few studies describe the childbirth experience of both the parents. The aim was to interview parents receiving ‘psycho-prophylaxis training’ during pregnancy and to elucidate their

ABSTRACT Objective Investigate parents’ recollections of resilience hindering experiences in the first year of parenthood. Background The transition to parenthood is a significant period of change in the lifespan. Understanding the factors which undermine resilience during this process will help illuminate resilience theory and provision of perinatal support. Methods We conducted a thematic analysis

ABSTRACT Background Fear of childbirth is an important reason for a caesarean section on request. Objective To assess the association between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and post-delivery fear of childbirth (PFOC). Methods We prospectively studied pregnant women from two hospitals in the Netherlands. Women completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS), the Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire

ABSTRACT Objectives: Previous studies investigated the physical, psychological and sociological effects of infertility; however, stigma and violence experiences of infertile women haven’t yet been studied in the US. The objective of the study is to examine the perceived stress, stigma, violence experiences, and social support of US infertile women and to compare with fertile women in order to understand

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this review was to explore the unique contribution of shame (negative evaluation of the self) and guilt (negative evaluation of behaviour) to postnatal psychological symptoms. Background: Although shame and guilt are related to psychological symptoms, the separate effect of each in postnatal psychological symptoms are not yet known. Methods: Seven electronic databases

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the efficacy and characteristics of psychological or educational eHealth interventions on reducing symptoms of mental illness in parents of preterm or low birthweight infants. Background: Many parents suffer psychological disorders after preterm birth. Computer or mobile application-based interventions are a promising alternative. Methods: We searched seven electronic

ABSTRACT Background: Perinatal illness is alarmingly common and has negative effects on maternal and infant well-being. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specifically, are characterised by negative views of the self and others, which may impact a mother’s perceptions of herself and her child. Objective: This study examined the relationship between depression and PTSD symptoms, maternal

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare prenatal attachment in women hospitalised due to high-risk pregnancy with prenatal attachment in non-hospitalised patients. To describe the impact of social support, socio-demographic factors and the nature of the pregnancy on prenatal attachment, anxiety and depression. Study Design: An exploratory, cross-sectional and descriptive study utilising the Maternal Antenatal

ABSTRACT Background While research on Fear Of Childbirth (FOC) during pregnancy is on the rise, research regarding pretraumatic stress reactions is lacking. Moreover, less is known regarding negative anticipation of childbirth and Eating Disorders (ED). This study aims at identifying typologies of women in the prepartum period based on FOC and pretraumatic stress symptoms and investigating whether

ABSTRACT Objective: The effectiveness of a cognitive behavioural intervention to prevent perinatal depression in low-income Latina immigrant pregnant women and mothers receiving WIC services was evaluated in a mixed methods study using a community based observational design. Background: The Mothers and Babies Course is a preventive intervention for perinatal depression that is based on cognitive behavioural

(2020). What’s so special about perinatal mental health? Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 111-112.

ABSTRACT Objective: We assessed (1): the factorial and convergent validity of the Portuguese version of the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM); (2) maternal primary and secondary appraisals of the birth of a child; and (3) the influence of appraisals on stress. Background: Parental stress is common during transition to parenthood and may be detrimental for parents and infants. Following Lazarus and Folkman’s

ABSTRACT Background Mother-infant bonding is the early emotional connection between mother and infant. It is affected by some aspects of maternal mental health, infant temperament, and the quality of a couple’s relationship. Objective This research aimed to determine the associations of the mother’s postnatal depression and anxiety symptoms, infant temperament, and the quality of the couple’s relationship

ABSTRACT Objective: The study aimed to determine why male infants are abused more frequently than female infants. Background: Infant crying is a well-known trigger for Shaken Baby Syndrome or Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT). For unknown reasons, male infants are more often victims of SBS/AHT than female infants. We hypothesised that this sex difference in victimisation was attributable to either acoustic

(2020). A critical approach to surrogacy: Reproductive desires and demands. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 349-350.