Perkins, A;
Taylor, BL;
Morant, N;
Johnson, S;
(2021)
Experiences of parent-infant teams among mothers diagnosed with perinatal mental health difficulties.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
10.1080/02646838.2021.1983920.
(In press).
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Abstract
Background: Disrupted parent-infant bonds can have a negative impact on childhood development. In the United Kingdom, parent-infant teams can offer support to parents (most commonly mothers) to help strengthen parent-infant relationships. However, little is known about women’s experiences of these teams. This study aimed to explore experiences of support from parent-infant teams among mothers diagnosed with perinatal mental health difficulties. Method: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven mothers who had had been referred to and/or accessed a National Health Service parent-infant team. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Women reported occasional difficulties accessing parent-infant services, particularly when they were left to contact services/follow up referrals themselves. However, once accessed mothers valued consistent, regular support with a therapist who was empathic and accepting of their difficult feelings. Some women saw therapists as resembling ‘mother figures’ and appreciated a feeling of being cared for. However, at times women felt there was an overemphasis on the role of the mother and mother-infant bond, and a disregard of fathers and other family members. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that mothers value support from parent-infant teams. However, clinicians need to ensure they do not inadvertently reinforce problematic gender norms and narratives when offering support.
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