Research
Perinatal Mental Health
I am interested in perinatal psychology, specifically maternal mental health conditions occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Estimates suggest 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health problem during the first postpartum year and although the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, and depression alone, is well-researched, postpartum anxiety is comparatively less understood. I am particularly interested in understanding more about how postpartum anxiety manifests in mothers, particularly during the first postpartum year.
Preterm Birth
Preterm birth (birth at less than 37 weeks gestation) represents a significant public health issue and is now the leading cause of death amongst children under 5 according to the World Health Organization. Although the short- and long-term effects of preterm birth on infant outcomes are well understood, the effect of preterm birth on maternal mental health is relatively less studied. I am interested in the impact of preterm birth on maternal mental health, particularly postpartum anxiety. I am also interested in whether rates and types of anxiety are experienced differentially by mothers depending on the severity of the infant's prematurity.
Research collaborations
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Exploring Strategies to Prevent Admissions to Acute Paediatric Services at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Among Infants Under 7 days for Feeding Difficulties
A mixed-methods project in collaboration with Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, investigating reasons for referral and admission to acute paediatric services at Alder Hey in infants under 7 days who present with feeding difficulties only.