When mother reports panic and sadness, how might we therapeutically support mother and baby?

Schilling, M., Nicolson, S., Ridgway, L. (2017). When mother reports panic and sadness, how might we therapeutically support mother and baby? A reflective case study using the NBO.  Australian Journal of Child and Family Health Nursing, 15, 1, 4-8. 

https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=021154127194643;res=IELHEA

Abstract

The Newborn Behavioural Observation (NBO) system is designed to be used with parents to enhance the parent-infant relationship. Depression and anxiety disorders occurring in the postnatal period can negatively impact on the parent-infant relationship. This case study provides a narrative of a mother with depressive and anxiety symptoms within the first two months postpartum, who participated in NBO sessions with her maternal and child health (MCH) nurse at four weeks and eight weeks postpartum. The NBO was found to provide the mother with momentary relief from a few of the concerns and anxiety symptoms and was later recalled as having effected a significant change in perception of the infant. Additional NBO sessions might have been warranted or valuable; however, it was not possible to ascertain from a single case study whether the NBO is associated with longer term positive outcomes. Further research is needed on the impact of the NBO in MCH practice.