Towards Parenthood: Preparing for the changes and challenges of a new baby

Description

This guidebook aims to assist parents manage the complex demands of parenting. An additional aim is to strengthen the couple relationship and the relationship between parents and infants. Skills in coping, problem-solving, enhancing self-esteem, assertive communication, bonding with your baby and understanding your baby's cues are presented. The program has been extensively piloted with Australian families. Focus groups have been conducted and the program has been revised to incorporate their feedback.

Jeannette Milgrom is Professor of Psychology, School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne and Director of Clinical and Health Psychology at Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia. In 2001 Jeannette established the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) focusing on high-risk infants, postnatal depression, and developing psychological treatments. Jennie Ericksen is Coordinator of the Infant Clinic of the PIRI. She is a psychologist specialising in early childhood assessment, parent support and skills training, cognitive behaviour therapy, service planning and implementation. Bronwyn Leigh is a clinical health psychologist who works with women, infants and families through the PIRI, Austin Health. She is involved in a range of research studies related to maternal mood and prematurity through the Parent-Infant Research Institute. Yolanda Romeo is a clinical psychologist who worked with infants, children and their families at the PIRI for 5 years. Yolanda has over nine years experience working in the departments of child and adolescent psychiatry at a number of major hospitals in Melbourne including Austin Health and Monash Medical Centre. Elizabeth Loughlin is a professional dance therapist who has worked with mothers and infants in dance in the community, studio and clinical setting for many years. At the PIRI, she offers dance and movement with music as a therapeutic intervention for mothers with postnatal depression and their infants. Elizabeth also teaches at the International Dance Therapy Institute of Australia and creative arts therapies in the University of Melbourne School of Social Work. Rachael McCarthy (1969-2005) was a clinical psychologist who worked at the PIRI for 10 years. Bella Saunders is a clinical and developmental psychologist who worked at the PIRI for 3 years during the major development of the Toward Parenthood program. She has extensive experience working in the areas of child and family issues, across private, government and hospital sectors. She specialises in parenting issues and assessing children's (0-8 years of age) social, emotional and behavioural needs.