Clinics in Mother and Child Health

Abstract

Uncovering the Concealed Part of Motherhood-Postpartum Depression in Mothers

Hunaina Hadi and Shamsa Hadi

Introduction: Motherhood is the most pleasing experience of a woman's life. Birth of a child gives birth to new hopes and ambitions. But Post-partum Depression is a condition when this blessing turns into curse. It can affect the mother, the partner and the child and can even lead to infanticide as well as maternal death, often by suicide.

Method: A qualitative systematic review was conducted through electronic medium to explore the relevant literature. Various databases i.e. Pubmed, Google search engines, Science Direct, JPMA, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature CINHAL and SAGA were used. Manual search was also done by accessing articles from 2000 till 2013. Both authors independently extracted data including study design, participants (number and characteristics), and results.

Findings: According to American Psychological Association, an estimated 9-16 percent of postpartum women experience Postpartum Depression (PPD). Moreover, among women who have already experienced PPD following a previous pregnancy, the prevalence estimates increase to 41 percent. The prevalence of PPD in Asian countries ranges from 3.5 percent to 63.3 percent.

Conclusion: PPD is a prevalent illness that can lead to severe complications. Its causes can be maternal or situational and therefore its prevention is recommended to decrease its burden in public health. Nurses can play a significant role in identifying women at risk for PPD and support them get necessary treatment. Community teachings, screening programs, psychotherapies, social support are some strategies for the prevention of PPD at different levels. Child care and family responsibilities, lack of awareness, stigma, feeling of shame and guilt are the hurdles in the path of preventing PPD.