My Blog

I am delighted to share another review on my forthcoming book ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye – contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness’.

This has been written by Dr Stephanie deGiorgio, a GP who has a special interest in perinatal mental health and co-founder of Perinatal Mental Health Partnership.

‘I read this book with interest and some trepidation. I am a mother who has had perinatal mental health problems twice and a GP who provides care to mothers suffering from the illness. I was concerned this book would bring up difficult memories and give unrealistic advice. I should have known better having met Elaine previously.

This book is the best I have read about the topic of perinatal mental health. Elaine uses her own experiences and those of others to bring the theory to life. The very comprehensive list of symptoms of perinatal mental health problems will be hugely useful to sufferers, friends and family and health care professionals alike and the chapter on things that people can do to support the mother who is unwell was both practical and realistic advice.

Managing to write a book that is aimed at both the public and health professionals is quite an achievement. The “Top Tips” at the end of each chapter enable both groups to focus and take what they need from the chapter. The advice given is balanced and facilitates the reader to make up their own mind rather than guide them in a particular direction, like so many self-help books. This is refreshing and means I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to colleagues, patients and friends.

Although this book is aimed at those considering a second or subsequent pregnancy, for health professionals and anyone with a family history of perinatal mental health problems or mental health problems pre-pregnancy themselves, this book would make useful reading at any point, including before the first pregnancy. The wisdom contained within it could make the experience of first-time perinatal mental health problems more bearable and encourage people to get help for themselves or their loved ones sooner. I also believe that it will enable health professionals to put themselves in the position of mothers who are unwell when they present and make them more likely to pick up those who are struggling to express how they are feeling.

I would highly recommend this book as a GP, a perinatal mental health sufferer and a mother. It is the book I have been wishing had been written to enable others to understand what is going on during a period of illness and how best to ask for help and support others who are suffering. Brilliant Elaine.’

I am touched and thrilled by these comments!

I can also let you know that there is now a reduced pre-order price with free P & P via my publishers website for £16.99.  Link is here.

Remember that if you are coming to the conference on 23rd September at Salford, you will receive a copy of the book as part of the delegate rate. Who else might like a copy?

I’m excited to say that it is currently being printed 🙂

Best wishes

Elaine 🙂