Midwifery support and intervention in the framework of care for women with mental disorders during the postpartum period

Abstract

Abstract Aim. The postpartum period is very demanding due to hormonal changes, changing social roles and financial concerns, i.e., factors affecting a woman´s mental health and quality of life. Midwifery care also includes interventions in this area of holistic care. This study aims to identify and describe midwifery interventions focussing on moderating mental disorders by women in the postpartum period. Methods. A scoping review designed following PRISMA – ScR guidelines in databases Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed was conducted in 2022. Results. The analyses of articles identified ten interventions, which were further merged into five categories: Use of measuring scale in women´s care; Support of the mother–child relationship; Education of women, counselling for women; Midwife – support for women; Visit of a midwife in women´s home environment. All interventions, except for the use of measuring scales, use communication skills. Conclusions. The analysed studies outlined a wide variety of non-pharmacological interventions midwives use to care for women with mental disorders during the postpartum period. Midwives use communication skills, education, support, and encouragement to make women feel safe and secure and thus improve their mental postpartum experience.