Psychiatric services for women following childbirth

Abstract

Psychiatric disorder following childbirth is common and much of it serious, warranting psychiatric attention. In addition childbirth poses a predictable and major risk to the mental health of women suffering from serious mental illness. Without appropriate and swift treatment there may be adverse consequences, not only for the mother but also for her children. Psychiatric services with the requisite skills and resources are necessary to meet the needs of these mothers, their infants and families. Using the principles of health needs assessment this chapter describes how the health needs of this group of patients may be assessed and how services can be developed appropriate to the local situation