Focusing on an important area of health care, the theme of this research-based but practical book is central to a key philosophy in the midwifery curriculum and to the clinical practice of health care workers who are responsible for maternal, post-natal and family well-being. The aim is to improve the quality of psychological care provided for families during pregnancy, birth and the first few months of the post-natal period. Throughout the book, research findings are applied to the real world of the midwife health visitor and other professionals in the field.