ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses why maternal psychosocial health matters. It provides insights into the risk factors, psychosocial concerns, resilience and strength based factors and support for women and families who are marginalised and/or experiencing complex life situations and experiences across the perinatal period. The book offers important information on how health professionals can respond effectively. Implementing evidence-based treatments or programmes of support is essential to ameliorate the symptoms of poor mental health and in each chapter the authors discuss current evidence-based psychosocial interventions to support mothers and infants. The book argues for more transdisciplinary long-term strategies to support maternity care professionals and explores the notions of resilience and sustainability. It focuses on the impact of incarceration on mothers and their children yet this difficult and chaotic situation can be a catalyst for change for women.
