MOTHERHOOD FOR WOMEN WITH SERIOUS MENTAL-ILLNESS - PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH, AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Although women with serious mental illness have normal fertility rates , the literature points to multiple risk factors and a paucity of emot ional and economic support during the initial phases of parenthood. Si nce most research has focused on child outcomes, the extent and nature of parenting problems experienced by these mothers are not adequately understood. An emphasis on the context of parenting and the meaning o f pregnancy and childbearing to these mothers is called for and implic ations for research and clinical practice are discussed.