It is vital that healthcare practitioners understand the psychological impact of childbirth when caring for women. This accessible guide is designed to improve the care that women receive and, as a result, public health outcomes related to maternal and infant wellbeing.





This book outlines how clinicians can offer practical support to women after birth. It:








discusses what we know about how women adapt to motherhood and develop a post-childbirth identity;







outlines some of the causes and manifestations of post-traumatic stress following childbirth;







provides practical guidance for setting up postnatal pathways for women traumatised by birth and how to communicate effectively;







equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to support pregnant women with a fear of birth;







incorporates narratives from women to demonstrate how their births and related events were perceived and processed, before discussing how women's views can be used to inform future practice;







highlights the importance of restorative supervision for healthcare professionals working in this area to promote staff resilience and sustainability.