Spring 2024

I am excited to present the Spring 2024 issue of JOPPPAH, featuring a diverse range of informative and thought-provoking articles. First, I am thrilled to introduce our new Assistant Editor, Dr. Emily Sauer, whose research and clinical focus include perinatal health psychology, women’s health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused interventions, health psychology, and eating disorders. Her expertise and talent will undoubtedly enhance our journal. I would also like to bid farewell to our Managing Editor, Jess Kimball. We wish her all the best.

The first article, “Psychological Outcomes Associated with Severe Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder with Cesarean Hysterectomy,” by Noall et al., sheds light on rates of postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with prior hysterectomy for severe placenta accreta spectrum. This study emphasizes the need for standardized interventions for high-risk patients.

Next, Rebelle et al. present a cross-sectional study, “Examining Beliefs, Behaviors, and Provider Counseling on Physical Activity During Pregnancy,” which discusses physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic disease rates among pregnant women in the Southern United States. The study found that pregnant patients across social and demographic factors face similar barriers to physical activity and lack knowledge of its benefits and susceptibility to chronic disease, underscoring the need to enhance provider counseling with evidence-based methods.

“Black Maternal Mental Health,” by Herrick and Burkhard, delves into the elevated rates of maternal mental health disorders among Black women, highlighting the impact of chronic stress from racism, higher levels of lifetime trauma exposure, and discrimination in the maternity care system. The authors discuss the barriers Black women face in accessing mental health care and emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges on individual, organizational, sociocultural, and structural levels. The article offers policy recommendations to address these challenges and promote holistic and equitable approaches to maternal mental health care for Black women, as well as supporting community health workers and promoting shared decision-making by patients in their treatment and care.

Additionally, Cortizo introduces the Calming Womb Family Therapy Model, an integrative approach designed to treat mothers and their babies from conception through the first year postnatally. It is based on Murray Bowen’s family systems model, attachment theory, and Selma Fraiberg’s psychodynamic work. This model aims to strengthen the bond between mother and baby and address maternal trauma.

“The Case Against Cesareans on Demand: What Doctors Do Not Tell You,” by Dr. Verny, examines the rising rates of cesarean births worldwide and the contributing factors, raising important questions about cultural norms and differences in cesarean birth rates across countries. Verny maintains that while C-section delivery may be necessary in some cases, it is important to understand the risks and to promote safer delivery methods when possible.

We also feature Stephanie Cloutman’s review of New Parenting Can Change Your World by Karlton Terry. Cloutman emphasizes the book’s advocacy for babies’ well-being and healthy development, highlighting the significance of birth experiences in shaping human culture. The review discusses the book’s main themes, including the importance of accurate empathy, meeting a baby’s emotional needs, and the cultural impact of relating to babies.

We are also honored to feature award-winning poet Linda Albert’s poem “When They Were Born,” which reflects on the profound experience of childbirth and the journey of motherhood. Lastly, we highlight Dr. Janus’ new book, The Enduring Effects of Prenatal Experiences: Echoes from the Womb, which explores how our time in the womb shapes our personalities and influences behavior, culture, and society.

These diverse perspectives and innovative approaches reflect our commitment to advancing the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology. Thank you to all authors, reviewers, and readers who contributed to this issue.

Christiana Rebelle, PhD
Editor-in-Chief