Written by a social psychologist and a midwife, this book moves beyond the conventional 'medical' approach to emotional problems following childbirth. It examines the range of potential causes of maternal distress and postnatal depression and puts forward suggestions for a practical, multidisciplinary and woman-centred response. The personal cost to women of postnatal depression is highlighted by the use of case history material and the Appendices offer a wealth of information on resources and avenues for help.

JANE LITTLEWOOD is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at Goldsmiths' College, University of London, UK.

List of Tables and Figures
Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART 1: MODELS OF MATERNAL DISTRESS AND DEPRESSION
Maternity and Madness
Distressing Events Occurring at or around the Time of Childbirth
Psychological Approaches to Distress and Depression Following Childbirth
Sociological Explanations of the Origins of Postnatal Distress and Depression
PART 2: WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES AND INCIDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH DISTRESS AND DEPRESSION FOLLOWING CHILDBIRTH
Childbirth as a Rite of Passage: The Myth of Madonna Motherhood and the Experience of Distress and Depression Motherhood, Loss and Distress Following Childbirth
When a Baby Dies Helping Women who become Distressed and/or Depressed following Childbirth
Appendix 1: Indicators of Success in Changing Childbirth
Appendix 2: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Inventory
Appendix 3: Probable and Potential Interventions During Labour and Childbirth
Appendix 4: Organisations which Offer Help to Mothers Experiencing Depression and Other Forms of Postnatal Distress
Index.