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Motherhood and Postnatal Depression pp 123–141Cite as

Living with Uncertainty: The Partners’ Experiences of Postnatal Depression

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Abstract

This chapter highlights the need to support the partners when women are diagnosed with PND. The partners are the main avenue of support for women when they develop PND. However, many partners in our study have difficulty providing support as they themselves are experiencing distress or depression, are working long hours, or are unaware of the support women need. This chapter explores the impact of PND on the partner. It identifies the type of support that men need in the postpartum period for their emotional well-being. The chapter highlights the challenges that men experienced as fathers and when their partners were diagnosed with PND. It also examines the couple’s relationship when women were depressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Peace of Mind Parenting Support, 3126, Eltham, Victoria, Australia

    Carolyn Westall

  2. School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

Authors
  1. Carolyn Westall
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  2. Pranee Liamputtong
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Correspondence to Carolyn Westall .

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Westall, C., Liamputtong, P. (2011). Living with Uncertainty: The Partners’ Experiences of Postnatal Depression. In: Motherhood and Postnatal Depression. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1694-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1694-0_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-1693-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-1694-0

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