Abstract
Postpartum depression can adversely affect not only a woman’s health and well-being, but also the health and development of her infant, as well as her family relationships. Research reveals immigrant women have higher risk factors for postpartum depression. The purpose of this Narrative Inquiry is to give voice, to Punjabi immigrant mothers who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression. Connelly and Clandinin’s Narrative Inquiry approach was used to explore the experiences of two Punjabi immigrant mothers with self-identified symptoms of postpartum depression. Participants engaged in a narrative interview and an adaptation of the Narrative Reflective Process, a data collection tool that allows creative self-expression and reflection. Womens’ stories were re-constructed and analyzed using Narrative Inquiry’s three levels of justification (personal, practical and social). Findings reveal three key narrative patterns: motherhood, relationships and loneliness, each informed by the narrative thread of immigration. The outcomes of this inquiry suggest that, as healthcare professionals and policy makers, we need to broaden and deepen our understanding of postpartum depression from the immigrant mothers’ perspective, so that we can provide them with a more effective support during this significant time in their lives. Such sensitive and thoughtful care has the ability to improve their well-being and the health of their infant, as well as that of the whole family.
Highlights
The traditional beliefs and practices influenced how Punjabi mothers responded to postpartum depression and the seeking of mental health services for support (Grewal et al, 2008)
I describe the third design element of Narrative Inquiry, the method used for the inquiry into the phenomenon (Clandinin et al, 2007)
I remind Anu that she may stop or pause the interview for any reason at any time. She nods her head and I begin by asking her about her experience after having her baby, as a Punjabi immigrant woman
Summary
A growing body of literature (Kingston et al, 2011; Mamisachvili et al, 2013; Miszkurka et al, 2010; O’Mahony, Donnelly, Bouchal & Este, 2012; Teng et al, 2007; Sword et al, 2006; Zelkowitz, Saucier, Wang, Katofsky, Valenzuela, & Westreich, 2008). Miszkurka et al (2010) reported immigrant women from the Caribbean, South Asia, Maghreb, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America had an increased risk for postpartum depression than Canadian born women, independent of their length of stay in Canada These studies confirm the immigration experience and determinants of health including low socioeconomic status; education and personal health practices are strong determinants for postpartum depression. The traditional beliefs and practices influenced how Punjabi mothers responded to postpartum depression and the seeking of mental health services for support (Grewal et al, 2008) Mothers reported both positive and negative interactions with healthcare professionals in Canada (Grewal et al, 2008), which is confirmed in other studies (Bhagat et al, 2002; Morrow et al, 2008). I describe the third design element of Narrative Inquiry, the method used for the inquiry into the phenomenon (Clandinin et al, 2007)
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