Perinatal Prevention Network For Mentally Burdened And Adolescent Mothers

Psychiatric disorder in pregnancy and after child birth as well as psychological distress are well known factors that put child wellbeing at risk. They are however, often estimated as less frequent and less severe then they occur Postpartum psychiatric disorder meets mothers of all social classes they are highly stigmatized therefore often disregarded and remain undetected The affected mothers socially withdraw themselves due to feelings of shame fear and guilt They cut them selves off from psychiatric treatment and from support by child welfare institutions The regional network Hand in Hand in the Rhine Neckar area consisting of psychiatrists psychotherapists gynaecologists paediatricians, social workers and midwives uses and connects the resources avail able in public health and youth aid to support both the child wellbeing as well as the mental health of mothers Our program begins by identifying risk factors for mothers' postpartum disorders and continues by increasing awareness with the previous named professional groups so that they act promptly and offer treatment and support The following paper describes our network activities emphasizing anti stigma instruction of professionals and intervention with affected families