Despite huge improvements in physical obstetric outcomes for women over the past century, perinatal mental health remains a neglected health priority globally. The current research project investigated a series of important and virtually unexplored potential risk factors for postnatal psychological distress – the conditions of ‘work at home’ caring for an infant. This project applies what we know about psychosocial job quality in the workplace to an unpaid caring role. The results suggest that in this unique (at home) context psychosocial indicators of poor quality work such as high demands/pressure, over-commitment, a lack of time control and fatigue are linked to poorer postnatal mental health.

About Liana

Dr Liana Leach is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at The Australian National University. Her research primarily investigates the impact of work and parenting transitions on the mental health of families. Her research is interdisciplinary and spans the fields of psychiatric epidemiology, sociology and public health. She has published key papers in the areas of workplace mental health, parenting and mental health, and more broadly identifying key social determinants and consequences of poor mental health in Australia.