Postpartum Depression

Research Paper # 100224

Medical and Health > Nursing
Psychology > Behaviorism
Psychology > Disorders

This paper discusses postpartum depression and nursing knowledge.

1,533 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that pregnancy and new motherhood can be a period of distress, which subjects the mother to increased risk of psychological crisis, mental illness, and developmental disturbances. The writer points out that postpartum depression has repercussions for both mother and child. The writer discusses that postpartum depression produces a serious adverse effect on both maternal and infant behavior over the first year after birth, and can affect cognitive development. The writer explains that when postpartum depression is not recognized and is left untreated, it can result in infanticide or suicide; yet, postpartum depression is often missed by primary care teams. The issue in this paper is the prevention of postpartum depression and the focus is on education not only for the mother but also for nurses.

From the Paper:

"Among the risk factors for postpartum depression are prenatal depression, low self-esteem, difficulties with child care, a high stress level, a low level of social support, poor marital relationship, difficult infant temperament, and maternity blues. The strongest risk factors were prenatal depression, prenatal anxiety, stress, lack of social support, and a history of depression before the pregnancy. Having a poor marital relationship is a moderate risk factor. Low risk factors consisted of obstetric factors such as complications due to pregnancy or delivery, low socioeconomic status, and having preterm infants or a delivery of multiple infants."

Sample of Sources Used:

Beck, C. (2006). Postpartum depression: It isn't just the blues. American Journal of Nursing, 106 (5) 40-50.
Currid, T. (2004). Improving perinatal mental health care. Nursing Standard, 19 (3), 40-43.
Fooladi, M. (2006). Therapeutic tears and postpartum blues. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20 (4), 204-211.
Josefsson, A., L. Angelsioo, G. Berg, C. Ekstrom, C. Gunnervik, C. Nordin & Sydsjo, G. (2002). Obstetric, somatic, and demographic risk factors for postpartum depression. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 99 (2), 223-228.
Morton, G. & Heneghan, A. (2005). A hospital survey of postpartum depression education at the time of delivery. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 34 (5), 587-594.