Perinatal mental health research

This page examines current and completed research that I have been involved with, focusing on perinatal mental health. The current work is being undertaken with my research team (mostly psychology students) and with research groups and national charities.

Recent and current work

Perinatal mental health

At Bournemouth University, I have been developing several pieces of research focusing on important areas of perinatal mental health. The following studies are either current in progress, or are complete:

• Midwives' perceptions on knowledge and training in perinatal mental health

• Health visitors' perceptions on knowledge and training in perinatal mental health

• GPs' perceptions on knowledge and training in perinatal mental health

• Nurses' perceptions on knowledge and training in perinatal mental health

• Availability and appropriateness of local perinatal mental health support and services

• How perinatal (general) mental health problems may have an impact on parents' thoughts around infant bonding

• How mothers who have experienced postpartum psychosis perceive that their symptoms may have an impact on infant bonding

• How previous history of eating disorders may impact on later perceptions of body image in the perinatal period

• How postnatal OCD symptoms may have an impact on parents' thoughts around infant bonding

• Midwives’ perceptions of how Covid-19 has had an impact on their work with familes

• Mothers’ experience of postantal anxiety and intrusive thoughts (we are doing some work with fathers - see below)

Birth trauma

Significant numbers of mothers experience birth trauma, whether that be an unexpected change in the birth plan (such as an unplanned caesarean birth), blood loss, obstetric complications, through to serious events that could lead to loss of life for mother and/or baby. Very little is known about what support information and support mums get, during and after the event. Some evidence suggests that mums who experience birth trauma are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or postnatal depression. We have been running some research that will explore several key questions. The most recent research is listed below; we hope to publish the outcomes soon:

• Mothers' perceptions about the information and support they received following birth trauma

• How the experience of birth trauma may have an impact on parents' thoughts around infant (and partner) bonding (we are currently working on a paper that we hope will be published soon)

• Perceptions from same-sex partners regarding the information and support they need when they have witnessed their partner’s birth trauma (we are currently working on a paper that we hope will be published soon)

We are also undertaking some research with fathers who witnessed their wife/partner's birth trauma (see below for more details).

Breastfeeding and perinatal mental health

In this NEW study, we are examining the relationship between breastfeeding and perinatal mental health. For many new mothers, breastfeeding has a really positive impact on their mental health. However, for others, that is not always the case, especially if they have been prevented from breastfeeding for some reasons. We especially want to know what support mothers got for breastfeeding and for their mental health. This study is being undertaken by my Bournemouth University student, Abi Wheeler. Response to this study has been phenomenal, showing how important this is to many mothers. As a result, recruitment is now closed while we analyse the data.

The impact of having a caesarean section on perinatal mental health

In this NEW study, we are exploring mothers’ perception around how having a caesarean section may impact on her mental health. We are especially focusing on the potential difference in experiences between planned and emergency (unplanned) c-sections. We would like to know what support mothers got for their mental health in these circumstances. This study is being undertaken by my Bournemouth University student, Maisie James. To take part, please acess this link.

Fathers' mental health

We have been working on several projects focusing on fathers, a summary of which is shown below:

• Fathers’ perceptions of what information and support they need should their partner develop a perinatal mental health problem (now published)

• Fathers’ perceptions of what support they need for their own mental health

• Fathers’ perceptions of what information and support they need when they have witnessed their partner’s birth trauma (now published)

• How health visitors recognise and support fathers’ mental health

• Fathers’ perceptions on the benefits of online screening for mental health

• Fathers’ experinces of postnatal instrusive throughts

• Fathers’ experience of postantal psychotic and manic thoughts

Find out more on the dedicated Fathers mental health research page.

Previous work

Postnatal sleep - a pilot study

Given the relationship between poor sleep and depression (see sleep research pages) it makes sense that this may also have an impact for new mothers. Many new mums experience reduced sleep, but how does that influence mood? In this longitudinal study we explored that relationship, in what was a pilot study for a larger piece of work that became a PhD project (see below).

Is poor sleep a risk factor for postnatal depression?

Following on from that pilot study. my former PhD student (Dr Lauren Kita) explored the extent that poor sleep may be a risk factor for postnatal depression. It may seem obvious that sleep is compromised in pregnancy, and after the baby is born. However, what if that sleep is poorer even accounting for that? What does that mean for the mother's mood?

Cognition and mother-infant interaction in serious mental illness

It is well known that the attachment bond between mother and infant is crucial to help a child develop socially cognitively and emotionally. So, what happens when that bond is compromised when the mother experiences poor mental health. In this study (conducted with University of Southampton) we explored mother-infant interaction in mothers with serious mental illness. You can read more about that in the published paper.