Winter 2023

Welcome to the Winter 2023 Issue! I am excited to share new
developments that will advance the trajectory of innovation, collaboration, and excellence for JOPPPAH. Dr. Kate Stahl-Kovell has moved on from her role as Editor-in-Chief. I am thankful for Dr. Stahl-Kovell’s leadership, friendship, and support, and the journal staff wishes her nothing but the best as she dives into clinical work in postpartum mental healthcare and writing. While bittersweet, it is an honor to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief. I am committed to sharing the latest scientific advancements in prenatal and perinatal psychology and health while amplifying marginalized voices and upholding the foundational principles of JOPPPAH.

I am also thrilled to introduce our new Copy Editor and Associate
Editor, Ekaterina Cupelin, PhD. Dr. Cupelin is a birth, postnatal, and
bereavement doula, author, and researcher. She brings a wealth of
experience and an infectious enthusiasm to our team. Additionally, we welcome three new members to our editorial board, Dr. Mary Newman, Dr. John Bonaduce, and Dr. Taylor Bryant, who all bring expertise from academic to clinical. We also have several new peer reviewers volunteering their time and knowledge to enhance the quality of the journal. Their contributions are pivotal in advancing our mission to establish JOPPPAH as a leading journal in the prenatal and perinatal sciences.

At the heart of our Winter 2023 issue is the question: “How do we, as researchers and clinicians, create policies, spaces, and opportunities for parents and their babies to thrive?” We lead with “An Examination of Psychosocial Processes Related to Quality of Life in Pregnancy” (2023) by Sauer et al. Their research sheds light on perinatal mental health’s often misunderstood aspects, emphasizing psychological flexibility and self- compassion as potential protective factors. This study provides valuable insights regarding how we can enhance the support and care available to pregnant people.

Next, we are grateful for our continued partnership with the Policy
Center for Maternal Mental Health and their impactful work to close gaps in maternal healthcare. In “Maternal Suicide in the United States: Opportunities for Improved Data Collection and Health Care System Change,” Herrick and Burkhard (2023) highlight the shift in recognizing maternal suicide as a major contributor to pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. The authors outline suicide’s devasting impact and advocate for evidence-based strategies to drive positive changes in maternal healthcare.

In “Prematurity, Attachment, and Interpersonal Therapy: A Review,”
Cerqueira and Vozar (2023) underscore the significance of mental health interventions for families with premature babies, focusing on the impact of prematurity on attachment relationships. The authors advocate for targeted clinical interventions, particularly Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), to enhance healthy attachment patterns and alleviate NICU caregivers’ stress.

Additionally, “Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate in the United
States Through the Midwives Model of Care” sheds light on a significant issue in modern healthcare. Kimball (2023) explains that the lack of in- depth prenatal visits and continued postpartum care, and the improper parental leave policies are some of the factors contributing to the high maternal mortality rate in the United States. Kimball advocates for the Midwives Model of Care, a client-centered approach effective in reducing maternal mortality rates.

The winter issue is also enriched by a collection of perspective articles. Among them, “The Positive Outcomes of the FreMo Approach” describes a promising approach at the FreMo Medical and Birth Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, empowering pregnant women to improve maternal and child well-being during the perinatal period. Osoro (2023) highlights the psychological factors affecting conception, pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum and the
challenges faced by the community.

In “The Prenatal Origin of Myth, Religion, and Ritual,” Bonaduce
(2023) takes us on a captivating journey exploring the concept of
Mythobiogenesis. The article explores the Biblical narrative of Noah,
leading to the conclusion that Noah and his ark are nothing more, nor less, than a single fertilized cell floating toward implantation in the uterus. The article reflects on the idea of prenatal consciousness and the limited methods by which we measure and assess the emotional universe that precedes birth.

In another thought-provoking exploration, “Vladimir Putin as a Return of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A Psychohistorical Exploration on the Nature of Human Contradictoriness,” Janus (2023) explores the dual nature of Vladimir Putin, drawing parallels with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The psychohistorical exploration underscores the profound influence of early childhood on individuals and societies, urging a focus on empathy, attachment, and trauma-informed care for a more peaceful world.

Finally, we feature a personal birth story titled “My Path to Healing: A Mother’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation.” Natoli (2023) shares her transformative motherhood journey, detailing challenges from traumatic childbirth to strained relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing maternal stories and urges practitioners to adopt a non-judgmental approach, highlighting the significance of asking, “What is it you need?”

This issue exemplifies the spirit of inquiry, compassion, and exploration that lies at the core of our journal. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our authors, reviewers, and readers for their contributions and support of JOPPPAH. I invite you to immerse yourselves in the rich content of this winter issue, and I am confident that it will ignite new sparks of curiosity, inspire further research, and foster deeper dialogues in this evolving field. Wishing you a season of warmth, introspection, and discovery as you explore the pages of JOPPPAH.

Christiana Rebelle, PhD
Editor-in-Chief