The qualitative research on real experience of puerpera with postpartum depression

Abstract

Objective To understand the real experience of postpartum depressed women, so as to improve the understanding of mental and physical state of puerpera by community health workers and provide reference for early identification of postpartum depressed women. Methods The study was carried out with the phenomenological methods of qualitative research. From May to July in 2018, a total of 12 women with postpartum depressions in the community family visit during postpartum were selected as interviewees.Then the data were analyzed by Colaizzi. Results This study found the following themes: the true feelings as a new mother; lack of spiritual and material support; depression was more relevant with the type of melancholy character (M) and peace character (P) ; the pressure from traditional culture of China. Conclusions Although postpartum depression has aroused widespread concern in the society, women with postpartum depression rarely actively seek social support and professional help.The family visitors of community should pay more attention to maternal mental health at the time of family visit, and find the problem about depression as early as possible, then to give specific guidance, which can improve maternal postpartum depression. Key words: Depression, postpartum; Puerpera; Experience; Qualitative research