Beating the Blues before Birth
Beating the Blues before Birth (BBB) is an 8-session cognitive behavioural therapy program. It is designed for women experiencing depression during pregnancy and includes one couple session to provide partners with information, support and an opportunity to be involved in the therapeutic process.
BBB was developed by adapting PIRI's evaluated treatment for Postnatal Depression and including relevant aspects from other PIRI programs and research
To download the Beating the Blues before Birth brochure click here
To download the Beating the Blues before Birth referral form click here
What is Involved?
All mothers receive a free assessment with a specialist psychologist and will be networked with health professionals in their local community. They will be provided with local resource information and monitored via questionnaires and/or phone calls at three follow-up time points until 6 months postpartum.
Women who take part in this study will be randomly allocated to receive one of the following conditions:
Routine Care
Women allocated to this condition will be case managed by their midwife or GP in addition to receiving the assessment, networking with health professionals and monitoring described above.
Beating The Blues before Birth Treatment
Women allocated to this condition receive 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy with a specialist psychologist free of charge. The sessions aim to teach coping skills to help better manage mood. Seven sessions help women develop the following:
- Understanding and managing mood
- Pleasant Activities: How can I find the time?
- Relaxation on the run
- Assertiveness and self-esteem: Telling others what I think and how I feel
- Unrealistic expectations of parenting: Influences from the past
- Developing a more helpful thinking style
- Challenging my internal critic
In addition, one couple session is held to provide information and support to partners.