Beyond Baby Blues
Around 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the early years after having a baby. In Beyond Baby Blues, perinatal psychiatrists Lynsey and Chrissy discuss topical issues in maternal mental health.
This podcast is for anyone with an interest in pregnancy, parenting, and mental health: if you are a parent or expectant parent, a healthcare professional working with women and birthing people, or just want to know more about this emerging field, then there is something in the podcast for you!
With thanks to the Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty of Perinatal Psychiatry.
Beyond Baby Blues
Sleep
Sleep is absolutely vital for the body and brain to function properly, but sleep disruption is almost universal in the perinatal period. This can have a huge impact on parenting and on mental health.
In this episode we talk to Dr Chiara Petrosellini about the complicated relationship between sleep and perinatal mental health. Tune in to hear about the science of sleep, the specific challenges in the perinatal period, and evidence-based strategies for improving sleep during this crucial time.
Recommended resources:
- The Sleep Foundation
- BMJ visual summary on optimising sleep for night shifts
- Maternal sleeping problems before and after childbirth: a systematic review (open access paper)
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, there is lots of help available. You can contact your primary care provider in the first instance, or if you are based in the UK the NHS perinatal mental health website will help you to find support in your local area.
