The Oxford Handbook of Perinatal Psychology (Oxford Library of Psychology)

The Oxford Handbook of Perinatal Psychology is the most comprehensive resource to date for scholars, students, and clinicians on the emotional and psychological experiences associated with childbirth. The volume describes the typical biological, emotional, and psychosocial changes associated with childbearing as well as various domains of pathology. Chapters on normal psychosocial and biological changes associated with childbearing provide a sound knowledge base from which to interpret research on specific aspects of emotional and psychological maladjustment during this time. Chapters on special issues orient readers to the vast array of contextual factors that affect new parents' experiences during the transition to parenthood. The Handbook covers a broader base of research relevant to perinatal psychology than any other published work to date, focusing not only on parental wellbeing, but also on fetal and infant wellbeing. Readers will gain an understanding of what happens during the perinatal period, why it happens, and options for intervention when expected events go awry.