Supporting Women and Families Affected by Postpartum Depression
While approximately 13% of Canadian women experience postpartum depression (PPD), an affective condition with significant health consequences for the mother, child, and family, up to 50% of women with PPD do not access available support. Research has not addressed women’s perspectives of their support needs and preferences for support interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the support needs, support resources, barriers to support, and preferences for support intervention from the perspectives of both women who experienced PPD and their service providers. Qualitative methods and participatory approaches were used in this study, conducted in Edmonton, Alberta (AB; urban setting) and New Brunswick (NB; rural setting). Mothers were interviewed individually (AB n=24; NB n=17) and in groups (AB n=5; NB n=6). Service providers also participated in group interviews (AB n=14, NB n=18). Mothers experienced gaps in service availability and their preferences for support differed from the types of services typically offered.
Publication
Letourneau, N, Duffett-Leger, L., Hegadoren, K., Stewart, M. Dennis, C-L., & Rinaldi, C. (2007). Canadian mothers’ perceived support needs during postpartum depression. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 36, 441-449.