Postnatal unhappiness: who should direct support?

Depression following childbirth is a common, distressing but frequently underreported disorder. It involves a spectrum of symptoms, some of which may be self-limiting, while others can have major mental health implications in the post partum period. A range of health professionals, including midwives and mental health nurses, come into contact with women who suffer from postnatal depression; however, there is often little attempt made to integrate maternity and mental health care approaches. More collaborative frameworks of care are vital if health professionals are to adequately meet the needs of 'unhappy' women in the postnatal period.