Another Twinkle in the Eye – contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness

Published on 15th September 2015!

The book cover

Awarded ‘highly commended for outstanding contribution to medical literature’ and shortlisted by the BMA for their popular medicine book of the Year 2016.

Read my blog of the awards ceremony here.

Here is one of the first reviews – by Dr Giles Berrisford FRCPsych
Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist
Clinical Lead of the Birmingham Perinatal Mental Health Service
Chair of Action on Postpartum Psychosis

‘Like a nourishing soup blended together from Elaine Hanzak’s very personal and brave account, the voices of many women with lived experience and the latest research from the academic and clinical experts, this refreshing book will satiate anyone hungry for information about perinatal mental illness. It is topped with a liberal serving of croutons of wisdom and “top tips” which will improve the practice of all healthcare professionals working with women of childbearing age and help families making the difficult decision as to whether to have that second child after an episode of perinatal mental illness.

This book is the perfect combination of personal experience, collected accounts from others, self-help advice, invaluable resource pack, and the latest research and evidence in the field, produced in an easy to read and accessible format. I will not only be recommending it to my team, but also to women who are making the difficult decision about future pregnancies in my clinic.

Useful collection of experiences from real mothers who have suffered perinatal mental illness, exemplifying the vast range of symptoms people can experience.
The cases all sound very familiar and reflect my experience as a perinatal psychiatrist perfectly. Women present in a wide range of ways and after a varying length of time of trying to manage at home.

Detailed practical advice about where to find help and what evidence based treatments are out there.

Part research, part resource pack, part personal experience, part self help guide, part poetry of the postpartum period comes together to give a comprehensive guide for professionals and lay people alike.

Important facts and experiences of others hung together with a moving personal account bring this text alive like no other.

By collecting all this information together Elaine has succeeded in giving a voice to so many women. The book is a virtual support group for women and their families, making the difficult decisions about having another child. The vast majority of women will find their concerns covered in this book with sensible guidance as to how to find a solution. All healthcare professionals working with women of childbearing age will learn from this book and it will help to make their interactions more productive and more patient centred.
Elaine has bravely shared her personal story once more to give a coherent account and structure to the concerns women have considering having another child after an episode of postnatal mental illness.’

Read mum Luce’s review on her blog here.

Read a review by blogger GastroBabyUK here.

Read a GP’s review here – Stephanie says it is the best book she has ever read on perinatal mental illness!

There was a launch event on 23rd September 2015 at Hotel Football.  All delegates received a copy of the book on the day. Please see my blog for a review on the event.

* Order via my publishers here.