My research and community outreach work focuses on psychological adaptation during the transition to parenthood in the context of various reproductive risk factors – in particular,  infertility/assisted conception, and perinatal mood disorders.  I have a particular interest in the parent-child attachment relationship, and in programs to support parenting during the early years.

My recent book “Becoming a Parent: Contemporary Contexts and Challenges during the Transition to Parenthood” (Cambridge University Press) explores the unprecedented reproductive choices in the 21st century, universal psychological journeys, and the specific challenges faced by those whose pathways to parenthood are non-traditional or medically complicated.  Personal stories from men and women from diverse backgrounds (those with 'high-risk' pregnancies, fathers as well as mothers, adoptive parents, LGBTQ as well as heterosexual adults) make the research-based information come alive.

I work collaboratively on research projects that seek to provide an evidence base for programs supporting new parents with

• Tresillian Family Care Centres 
• Karitane
• Marymead Child and Family Centre ACT
• ACT Perinatal Mental Health Service 

• Executive Committee Healthy Attachment Australia New Zealand (HAANZ) Healthy Attachment Australia & New Zealand (healthyattachmentanz.org)