1. Module Code-Title:
NS6051 SUPPORTING PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
2. Hours Per Week:
Lecture
Lab
Tutorial
Other
Private
ECTS Credits
2
0
0
0
13
9
3. Grading Type:
N
4. Prerequisite Modules:
5.
Rationale and Purpose of the Module
Perinatal mental illness is a serious public health issue which has the potential to cause
adverse outcomes for women’s life-long mental health and wellbeing of the children and
families (National Perinatal Mental Health Report, 2010). This module is designed to equip
all health care professionals particularly Midwives, Public Health Nurses, Mental Health and
other health care professionals to work effectively with individuals, couples and families
within whatever work environment they are employed. This module will enable health
professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of perinatal mental health problems
and their impact on infants and families, during pregnancy and within one year of birth.
Health professionals will develop a range of skills and strategies to enable them to work more
effectively with families during the transition to parenthood.
6.
Syllabus
Perinatal Mental health, bio psychosocial influences ,ethnic/cultural context for women and
men’s transition to parenthood and the impact of perinatal mental illness on maternal and
infant wellbeing. Early identification of perinatal mental health problems, screening tools,
and strategies to support perinatal mental health, evidence based supportive models of care
for mothers and infants, therapeutic interventions for anxiety and mood disorders, impact of
substance misuse and alcohol, interdisciplinary and inter-professional working to maintain
mental wellbeing, impact of national legislation and guidelines on primary health and family
care.
7.
Learning Outcomes
Cognitive
Critique the methods used to assess perinatal mental health.
Evaluate the evidence base for screening tools and strategies in the management of perinatal
mental health and infant wellbeing.
Evaluate the mechanisms in place which support perinatal mental health.
Discuss the impact of perinatal mental illness on infants, families and communities.
Discuss the professional, legal, and ethical issues surrounding perinatal mental health and
infant wellbeing.
Affective
Appreciate the need for effective interdisciplinary team working in the management of
perinatal mental health problems.
Value the concept of a partnership approach to working with families in the perinatal period.
Psychomotor
8.
How the Module is Taught
A model of adult learning will be adopted in the teaching of this module, using a variety of
teaching strategies, including formal lectures, tutorials, group work, self-directed learning and
practical application of research skills. This approach lends itself, to students taking
responsibility for their own learning and developing research skills.
The module is based on current best practice guidelines for research in the area of nursing
incorporating relevant national and international health policy.
9.
Study Resources
Prime Sources
Barlow, J., Svanberg, P.O. (2009) Keeping the Baby in Mind: Infant Mental Health in
Practice,, East Sussex: Routledge.
Davis, H., Day, C., Bidmead, C. (2002) Working in Partnership with Parents: The Parent
Adviser Model,, London: Harcourt Assessment.
Henshaw, C., Elliot, S. (2005) Screening for Perinatal Depression,, London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishing.
Raynor, M., England, C. (2010) Psychology for Midwives Pregnancy, Childbirth and the
Puerperium,, Open University Press
Supplementary Sources
Hanley, V. (2009) Perinatal Mental Health: A Guide for Health Professionals and Users,,
Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Music, G. (2011) Nurturing Natures. Attachment and Children’s Sociocultural and Brain
Development,, East Sussex: Psychology Press.
Price, S. (2007) Mental Health in Pregnancy and Childbirth,, London: Churchill Livingstone.
Sameroff, A., McDonough, S., Rosenblum, K. (2005) Treating parent-infant relationship
problems: Strategies for intervention,, New York: Guilford.