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>When I had first written my draft of ‘Eyes without Sparkle’ I wondered if it would have a wider appeal than the UK as postnatal illness is a global problem. To that end I asked the then President of Postpartum Support International, Diana Lynn Barnes, if she would be interested in reading it for me.
There is a wealth of information on their website  http://www.postpartum.net/

Not only did she agree that my book has international appeal she wrote the foreword for my book! I was delighted! That was back in 2004. Since then we have kept in touch by email and a couple of phone calls. Diana also works tirelessly around the issues of postnatal illness and amongst her many talents runs a centre in California for mothers and families. http://www.postpartumhealth.com/html/dlb.html
Diana continues to inspire me!

Over the last six years we have tried to meet on several occasions but it has never been possible – until now! Diana and her gorgeous daughter were in London and Paris for an 18th birthday treat. We finally met up at The Langham http://www.langhamhotels.com/ and had a delicious afternoon tea before I took them to see the delights of Covent Garden.

Although it was our first physical meeting, it felt like meeting an old friend! Here are Diana and I in the foyer of The Langham.

Diana went on to write her own excellent book through being introduced to my publishers,
‘The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters’.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Parenthood-Reality-Really-Matters/dp/1846190142/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 

Prior to meeting her I had met another friend, Sam Hill, who had inspired me whilst we paddled in the sea in Mallorca to actually do something with my then manuscript!

Diana will be presenting a paper at the Marce Society conference in October this year. I am so disappointed that I am unable to go this year as I have been at the previous two in Keele and Sydney, and loved meeting some of the key professionals involved in practice and research around perinatal mental health from across the world. I will be keen to read the conference reports.
http://www.marcesociety.com/
Please have a read about what Marce offer.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Diana and her daughter and I hope it isn’t another 6 years before we do it again!

Elaine Hanzak

www.hanzak.com