The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Consumers' Forum is hosting a free public lecture, Motherhood and the mind: insights into mental illness in pregnancy, childbirth and afterwards, in London at 6.30pm, Thursday 3 December.
Dr. Ian Jones, senior lecturer in perinatal psychiatry at Cardiff University, will present the lecture and discuss the controversial and complicated relationship between childbirth and mood disorders. There will also be a 45 minute Q&A session at the end.
Dr. Ian Jones says “The link between mental illness and childbirth has been noted for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Episodes occurring at this time are of huge importance as suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the UK. Why then are so few resources devoted to mental health in antenatal or postnatal services? Understanding more about these episodes is vital as we need to identify women at risk and ensure that they and their families receive the help they need.”
Mrs. Gillian Baker, RCOG Consumer's Forum Chair, says "Mental health is a fundamental part of women’s health and wellbeing during pregnancy and birth. Yet there remains a lack of awareness about pregnancy-related mental health issues, such as postnatal depression. Women need relevant and up-to-date information about mental health in pregnancy, sources of support, and a range of treatment options.”
To reserve your free place please visit www.rcog.org.uk/meetings or call 020 7772 6245. “Motherhood and the mind” will take place from 6.30pm to 8.00pm,Thursday, 3 December 2009 at the RCOG, 27 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RG.
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For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Ian Jones, please contact the RCOG Press Office at +44 (0)20 7772 6357.
This free public lecture has been organised by the RCOG Consumers’ Forum in collaboration with the Perinatal Section of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
