Clearer interpretation of maternal distress offers a comprehensive approach to understanding maternal emotional health during the transition to motherhood. Acknowledging women's experiences and providing more appropriate support could alleviate some of the struggles and hardships experienced by mothers.

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Maternal role development following childbirth is complex and can be adversely affected by older maternal age, married status, inadequate social support and short partner relationships. A deeper understanding of this process is needed if healthcare professionals are to assist mothers in making a smooth transition to motherhood.

Recommendations for the future directions of the service include: The continued support and expansion of DEMOS; An increase in the DEMOS service portfolio to actively assist facilities to change the culture of care amongst RACF carers; and Showcasing of DEMOS as an example of 'best practice' in dementia care to argue the need for provision of additional Nurse Practitioners specializing in dementia care.

No abstract