ABSTRACT
Pregnancy and the postpartum period (i.e., up to 12 months following delivery) can be a time of joy and excitement for women and their families. For many women, however, this period can also be a time of uncertainty and increased emotional distress. Many women and healthcare workers are aware of the ‘baby blues’ and postpartum depression. Recent studies have shown, however, that anxiety and anxiety disorders are at least as common (if not more so) as depression in women during pregnancy and the postpartum. This introduction presents an outline of a new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed specifically to meet the needs of new and expecting mothers who are struggling with anxiety and other difficulties (e.g., worry, depression). This book is intended to provide information, strategies, and resources that will be of help to new and expecting mothers, their families and support networks, and their healthcare providers.
