Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
The Early Motherhood Service: an acceptable and accessible perinatal mental health service
Fiona Judd1, Lesley Stafford, Penelope Gibson
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia. Fiona.judd@thewomens.org.au
Objectives:
The aims of this paper are to quantify the effect of an innovative perinatal mental health program, the Early Motherhood Service, to identify factors contributing to its success, and to make recommendations as to its general applicability across other rural services.
Method:
The study involved stakeholder evaluation, analysis of available outcome data and analysis of consumer feedback data.
Results:
Service functions were grouped into four key areas: increasing awareness of perinatal mental health problems; providing information and advice; providing treatment and support; and education, training and capacity building. Women accessing the service showed significant improvement in outcomes as measured by change over time in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale. Consumer feedback demonstrated that the service was highly valued. Key factors identified as contributing to the service's success were broad coverage of perinatal mental health problems; inclusion of early intervention and prevention; outreach capacity; partnership with, support for and capacity building of other health providers; a location which is accessible and non-stigmatizing; and staff comprising senior and skilled clinicians.
Conclusions:
The Early Motherhood Service is an innovative perinatal mental health service. It provides a useful model for the development of such services in rural communities.
More Related Videos
05:04A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
11:50Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Published on: January 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Development of Human Microbiota