Pregnancy sickness is a spectrum: while most women experience some degree of pregnancy sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form at the extreme end of the spectrum. It affects about 3% of pregnancies and it can involve serious physical and psychological complications. In this episode we think about HG from our perspective as perinatal psychiatrists: what do mental health professionals need to know about HG? how does it affect mental health? and what can we do to support wom...

Whether we are delivering clinical care or designing and improving healthcare services, the voice of lived experience should be at the heart of everything that we do. In this episode we speak to Sakina Ballard (trustee for Make Birth Better and Maternal Mental Health Alliance) about peer support and experts by experience in perinatal mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, there is lots of help available. You can contact your primary care...

Infant feeding is an intrinsic part of parenthood. When it goes well it can be incredibly rewarding, but it's not always straightforward and many parents experience difficulties. In this episode, Lynsey and Chrissy discuss the different factors that influence feeding decisions, the intricate relationship between infant feeding and mental health, and the challenges around medication and breastfeeding. References and resources: Supporting positive conversations about feeding choice and ...

There is a strong social narrative that pregnancy and parenthood should be a time filled with new connection, a strong sense of community, and abundant social support. In reality many parents can feel incredibly lonely and disconnected. In this episode, Lynsey and Chrissy are joined by Dr Kate Adlington to discuss the emotional, social, and existential facets of loneliness and the specific issue of loneliness in the perinatal period. What drives it? What is the relationship between lon...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 4% of the adult population although it is under-recognised and under-diagnosed in women and girls. In this episode we are joined by Dr Shevonne Matheiken, who shares her own lived and learned experience of ADHD and parenthood. We discuss the medical and social models of ADHD, the different ways that it can manifest, the challenges that can arise during major life transitions such as pregnancy and parenthood, and the implicati...

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...

“Is it a boy or a girl!?” Some parents experience sadness, distress, and feelings of shame when their baby’s gender does not match their preferences and expectations. In this episode, Lynsey and Chrissy discuss the individual, social, and cultural aspects of gender preference and gender disappointment. If you would like to learn more about this topic, you can read Chrissy’s open-access paper here: ‘It's a girl!’ Is gender disappointment a mental health or sociocultural issue? ...

Perinatal depression is one of the most common illnesses to affect people during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Its effects can be devastating and, if left untreated, it can have a huge impact on women and their families. In this episode we are joined by Leanne Howlett to talk about her experience of perinatal depression, and her incredible work as a nurse in a perinatal mental health service. If you would like more information about the issues discussed in this episode, he...

Donald Winnicott was a paediatrician and psychoanalyst whose work had a profound influence on our understanding of psychological development. In today’s episode, Lynsey and Chrissy discuss Winnicott’s concept of the good enough mother and the importance of parent-infant relationships for healthy psychological development. If you would like to learn more about Winnicott’s work, we wholeheartedly recommend reading some of his original work: The Child, the Family, and the Outside World i...

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that can start very suddenly in the days or weeks after having a baby. It can happen to anyone and often occurs completely out of the blue. In this episode we are joined by Sally Wilson from Action on Postpartum Psychosis to talk about her experience of postpartum psychosis and the work that she is doing with APP to support and advocate for women and families who have been affected by this serious but treatable condition. If you would like t...

Becoming a parent is a brain-altering experience. In this episode, Lynsey and Chrissy dive into the latest neuroscience research about what happens to the brain during pregnancy and the postnatal period. It’s pretty amazing! If you would like to find out more about this topic, you can check out the Hoekzema lab website and read this 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 ...