Beating the Blues before Birth
Beating the Blues before Birth is a 7-week cognitive-behavioural therapy group program, facilitated by a psychologist. It is intended for pregnant women who are struggling to cope and experiencing a lowered mood.
Next Program Starts October 2007
We are recruiting participants for the Beating the Blues program during September and early October 2007. If you think that this study may be of benefit to you or if you would like more information please contact Christopher Holt on 9496 4496.
Download the Beating the Blues before Birth Brochure (148KB)
What is Involved?
All mothers receive an initial free individual assessment and will be networked with local health professionals, provided detailed local resource information and monitored over a period of time. If you agree to take part in this research study you may be randomly allocated to one of the following treatment conditions (see below):
Individual Routine Primary Care
- Individually monitored by a midwife and referred to other suitable agencies/services as necessary, such as referral to GP, psychologist, counselling etc.
- Informed about appropriate services in your local area that will be of benefit to you, during your pregnancy.
- Networked with all identified treating health professionals, to provide an appropriate 'safety net' for support.
Possible benefits for expectant mother's participating in the study
- All women receive an information booklet- Emotional Health During Pregnancy & Early Parenthood
- All expectant mothers receive a free individual assessment with a psychologist
- A supportive network ('safety net') of suitable health professionals and community services will be established for each participant to provide appropriate support.
- Women allocated to the Beating the Blues before Birth intervention will receive 7 free sessions of cognitive behavioural group therapy
Connecting Health Professionals
This study also aims to encourage communication among treating health professionals, providing a supportive social network ('safety net') that once established will persist beyond the participant's involvement in the study.
What if I'm allocated to the Group Program?
Approximately half of the mother's who are involved in the study will take part in the 7-week cognitive-behavioural therapy group program. This program has three main components, they are:
Phase 1: Behavioural Interventions
- Understanding and managing Antenatal Depression
- 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
Phase 2: Cognitive Interventions
- Unrealistic expectations of parenting: Influences from the past, in the transition into parenthood
- My internal dialogue: The missing link
- Developing a more helpful thinking style
- Challenging my internal critic
Phase 3: Relapse Prevention and Future Planning
- Key messages and the onwards
- Staying emotionally healthy