The continuity relationship makes caring for women with anxiety and depression easier, but it is also a heavy responsibility
This study adds to current literature that indicates midwifery continuity of care as emotionally protective, which is particularly important for women with perinatal mental health conditions and may have ongoing positive effects that foster wellbeing. Experienced as providing 'exceptional' care, our findings demonstrate an urgent need to increase access to such models, and ensuring midwives have equally 'exceptional' training, support and referral pathways, to ensure their sustainability.
Authors
- Tanika Eaves
- Carolyn Hilsabeck
- Elysse Prussing (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9967-2901)
- Dharmintra Pasupathy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6722-1006)
- Allison Cummins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0626-3365)
- Elizabeth Newnham (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9080-769X)
- Sarah J. Melov (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7569-1016)
- Kathleen Baird (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0142-6962)
Institutions
- University of Technology Sydney (AU)
- Fairfield University (US)
- Westmead Hospital (AU)
- Sydney Local Health District (AU)
- University of Newcastle Australia (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Women and Birth
- Published
- 2025-02-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101886
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 7.51
Funders
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle Australia