Beyond Baby Blues Lynsey McAlpine & Chrissy Jayarajah

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 t...

“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? | BJPs...

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, here a...

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 is ...

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 to le...

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. Send us a message!If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, please know that there is lots of help availabl...