Swansea University - News Archive


News & Events Archive for 2011

Items are listed in chronological order by publication date.



    New DVD to aid men affected by a partner’s postnatal depression

    A new DVD to help men deal with the impact of postnatal depression has been produced by Swansea University's College of Human and Health Sciences and the Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health.


    Postnatal depression affects about one in every 10 mother in the UK. But the impact of postnatal illness extends beyond the mother.  Sometimes there is deterioration in the marital relationship and men too can also experience isolation, stigmatizition and frustration.

    Babies Aloud, a new research-based DVD dealing with the impact of postnatal depression (PND) has been released, especially created for men.

    The new DVD introduces three films dealing with the impact of PND on relationships, libido and infant attachment and interaction.

    Post Natal Depression DVD 

    Dr Jane Hanley, Lecturer at Swansea University and International President at the Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health, said, “Following a review of global DVDs dealing with PND, only one Australian video addressed the views of men. It was felt that this neglected area could be targeted in the novel way of making ‘light’ of a desperate situation, as it was felt that men might respond more readily to this format than a more in depth discussion.”

    Clinical professionals and clinical educators are concerned that pregnancy, childbirth, and issues surrounding it, may be seen as 'women's business', in which the part played by men is peripheral at best.

    Dr Hanley added, “These films are designed to challenge this stereotype by reinforcing the notion of a balanced parental relationship which is fundamental in helping the mother affected by post natal depression to cope with the disorder and to make an effective recovery from it.”

    All three films are based on research by members of the Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health and each film examines the particular stressors and misconceptions and proposes possible remedies.

    Dr Hanley said, “The films are not intended to positivistic, in the sense of linking specific problems with specific solutions, because often problems in postnatal depression are not well defined and overlap with the ordinary responsibilities of parenthood and child-care. Rather they are intended to stimulate a focused discussion in which possibly difficulties and possible solutions can be constructively debated.”

    The DVD is available from Amazon UK and profits from the sales will help fund research into perinatal mental health.

    This news item has been posted on behalf of Swansea University's College of Human and Health Sciences by Delyth Purchase, Public Relations Office on 01792 295050 or email d.purchase@swansea.ac.uk

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