Health Of New Mothers Research Articles

Postpartum Depression Among Mothers of Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization of newborn babies has been shown to have a negative impact on the mental health of postpartum women. The mental health of new mothers may be further burdened by the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on social, economic, and psychological dimensions. This study aimed to evaluate postpartum depression and related factors in mothers of infants hospitalized in NICU during two distinct COVID-19 pandemic periods and examine anyadditional effects of the pandemic on the mental health of postpartum women. Methodology The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was applied to 250 NICU mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first 125 women's children were hospitalized during a period of high number of cases and deaths when restrictions were in place for NICU parental visits (November 2021 to February 2022, the early group). The remaining 125 women completed the scale when there was a lower number of cases and restrictions had been eased (March to June 2022, the late group). Results In the early group, the EPDS scores were statistically higher(7.53.9 vs. 5.63.4; p < 0.001), smoking and NICU stay duration were significantly higher (p = 0.01), whereas the duration ofmarriagewas significantly lower (p = 0.01). Women in the late group with EPDS scores ≥13 were statistically less educated (p = 0.01). EPDS scores ≥13 were significantly associated with depression during pregnancy and with a history of abortion/stillbirth/neonatal death (odds ratio (OR) = 5.240, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.114 to 27.967, p = 0.03 and OR = 1.641, 95% CI = 1.009 to 2.669, p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions NICU admission is a significant maternal risk factor for postpartum depression due to the disruption of maternal-infant bonding, and this risk may be exacerbated during times of global public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression during pregnancy and the presence of a perinatal loss may also contribute to worse postpartum mental outcomes in NICU mothers.

Association of Post-Partum Depression (PPD) with Anaemia and Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 15% of mothers. It is a serious disorder that may affect physical and mental health of new mothers and newborns. Mothers suffering from anemia and vitamin D deficiency may be at increased risk of developing PPD. Aim: Our study aimed to detect the association of anaemia and Vit D deficiency with postpartum depression &amp; also to look at association of other maternal and perinatal complications. Materials &amp; methods: In this cross sectional observational study, pregnant women having anemia (Hb% &lt;11gm/dl), were grouped as A (n=141), pregnant women having low Vit D were grouped as B (n=28), and pregnant women with normal Hb% and normal Vit D were grouped as grouped C (n=58). A &amp; B were taken as cases and group C was taken as control in the study. Depression was evaluated by using Edinburg postnatal depression rating scale, P &lt;0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Also secondary outcome like PPH, wound infection, Apgar score, preterm birth neonatal admission were noted down. Results: Depression was found significantly higher in both A= 60.3% and B =14.2%, than group C =0% (p&lt;0.0001). Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and wound infection were found higher for group A (58% &amp; 13%), Group B (28 &amp;3%) respectively than control group C (5 &amp;2%). Interestingly all women with VitD deficiency had postpartal haemorrhage (PPH). Regarding neonatal outcome, APGAR score was low in A (38%) and B (10.7%) in compare to control group C (0%). NICU Admission was seen higher in A=26% &amp; B=10.7% than for C=0%. Incidence of Preterm birth (PTB) for A =25% &amp; B= 2% were significantly higher than group C= 0%. No stillbirth was found in any group. Conclusion: Prevention, identification and treatment of anaemia and Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women seem necessary, as they are strongly associated with postpartum depression and other complications. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2023; 41: 114-119

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of new mothers in China: A qualitative study of mothers with infants aged 0-1 year old.

China has implemented a strict epidemic control policy (ECP) for 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. New mothers are under great psychological pressure to protect themselves against the virus, following the ECP, as well as taking on the main responsibility of raising their children. However, the mental health of this group has been neglected by the public. This article aims to understand the mental health of new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative research methods were adopted in this study. From 1 October to 1 November 2022, we conducted in-depth interviews with 36 new mothers in Guiyang, Guizhou, China, and used thematic analysis to examine their emotional status, as well as the origins of their negative and positive emotions. (1) New mothers are chronically depressed, feeling anxious, and upset. (2) Negative emotions are caused either by the virus or by the ECP. (3) New mothers are mainly anxious about their children's physical health, feeding options, childcare, and family income. (4) Positive emotions are reflected by tight parent-child bonds, a better understanding of childcare, and an increased ability to perceive risks. The anxiety of new mothers has revealed the shortcomings of the Chinese health system in the emergency management of the mother and child. At the same time, the outbreak is an opportunity to improve the response management capacity of the health system in order to prevent the recurrence of similar problems for mothers and infants.

National bill to address maternal mental health passes Congress

The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (H.R.4217/S.2779) passed by Congress in its end‐of‐year omnibus, creates the first national Task Force on Maternal Mental Health — 2020 Mom — a nonprofit organization, announced in a Dec. 26 news release. The bipartisan TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (“TRIUMPH”) was introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D‐NH) and Thom Tillis (R‐NC), and Reps. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D‐CA‐44), Larry Bucshon (R‐Ind.‐08), Young Kim (R‐CA‐39) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D‐DE‐AL) to create a national strategy to address maternal mental health disorders, and coordination and integration of maternal mental health into existing maternal, infant and mental health activities at the federal level. More specifically, TRIUMPH promotes federal collaboration among agencies and departments to protect and address the mental health of new mothers and creates recommendations to state governors, House and Senate committees, and relevant federal agencies to improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Forced migrant women’s Mental Health in the perinatal period in Germany- A mixed-method study

Abstract Background After forced migration, pregnant women and new mothers face specific challenges in the host country. Little research focuses on the impact these challenges have on forced migrant (FM) women’s mental health (MH). The study’s aim shed light on FM women’s mental wellbeing in the perinatal period. Methods For this mixed-method study 15 individual problem-centered interviews were carried out in Arabic with FM mothers living in Germany within the postnatal period to one year postpartum. The transcripts were analysed using the Framework Analysis. In addition, structured quantitative interviews with 3070 new mothers were conducted on 3 obstetric wards in Berlin over a period of 23 months using an adapted version of the MFMCQ and the PHQ4. FM women (n = 187) were compared with immigrant (n = 1192) and non-immigrant women (n = 1673). A Kruskal-Wallis-Test was performed to compare the three groups. Results In the qualitative interviews mothers stated having depression and varied emotions (e.g. unavoidable sadness, relief). Most FM mothers indicated contextual factors (e.g. bad housing conditions) and structural barriers in perinatal healthcare as negatively impacting their MH. The preliminary quantitative analysis of the interviews conducted in birth clinics directly after birth showed no significant differences in the mean scores of the PHQ-4 within the compared groups (mFMW= 2.83; mimmi=2.61; mnonimmi= 2.5; p=.72). Conclusions While the quantitative study part indicates that PHQ-4 scores are independent of FM experience, the qualitative part shows that FM new mothers face particular burdens in their living conditions that make them vulnerable to MH issues. Inconsistent results could be attributed to the different timing in which the structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews were conducted. Key messages • To promote Mental health of new mothers, we advocate for a diversity oriented, responsive healthcare system. • Effective approaches must be provided to include FM mothers in existing Early Childhood Intervention programs.

Knowledge, Awareness and Perceptions towards Breastfeeding practices among antenatal and postnatal mothers in India

Breastfeeding the baby is the most important practice that promotes optimal growth and development of the infant. World Health Organization has recommended exclusive Breastfeeding for the first six months. Breastfeeding not only promotes Infant health and wellbeing but also protects the mother from developing illnesses. There is a compelling need to understand the level of awareness, perceptions and attitude towards breastfeeding and also develop programs to ensure that the knowledge is translated to practice in the postnatal phase. This review highlights the level of knowledge, attitude and perceptions towards breastfeeding, factors influencing the breastfeeding practices, Breastfeeding and its relation to Mental health of new mothers and the various initiatives launched by the Government to promote awareness on breastfeeding.

COVID-19 AND MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

The world is facing unprecedented times. The global pandemic announced in 2019 is having a significant impact on many aspects of people’s lives. Amongst other things, the pandemic is revealing the consequences of decades of cuts in public health investments. Health systems around the world are struggling to face surges in demand. Pregnant women and the mental health of new mothers is being undermined by numerous COVID-related changes in antenatal and postnatal care. For instance, perinatal care is reduced or provided only virtually, to comply with social distancing measures. This means fewer opportunities for health professionals to identify foetal distress and prenatal or postnatal maternal distress. Considering that maternal well-being is one of the main determinants of children’s well-being, the present article highlights the importance of improving health and support services for pregnant women and new mothers. Future generations are at risk of developing mental health problems because of the current pandemic; this can be prevented, but only if urgent action is taken.

Elucidating posttraumatic stress symptom dimensions and health correlates among postpartum women

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with interpersonal dysfunction and adverse maternal health during the perinatal period (extending from conception through one year postpartum). However, PTSD is a heterogeneous disorder, and little is known about which aspects of this disorder may be particularly deleterious to the health of new mothers. Such data may inform more personalized approaches to PTSD prevention and treatment among postpartum women. MethodsUsing confirmatory factor analysis, we compared three models of PTSD symptom structure—the four-factor dysphoria model, four-factor emotional numbing model, and five-factor dysphoric arousal model—in 1,663 postpartum women from the Community and Child Health Network (CCHN). We examined associations between PTSD symptom dimensions of the best-fitting model with four correlates relevant to maternal health and functioning—parenting stress, partner relationship stress, relationship satisfaction, and contraceptive use. ResultsThough all models fit well, the five-factor dysphoric arousal model provided optimal fit. Symptom dimensions from this model—re-experiencing, avoidance, numbing, dysphoric arousal, and anxious arousal—evidenced differential associations with the maternal health indicators. Numbing symptoms were most strongly associated with indicators of poor interpersonal functioning, whereas dysphoric arousal symptoms were most strongly related to low-efficacy contraceptive use. LimitationsOur cross-sectional study assessed DSM-IV PTSD symptoms. ConclusionsPTSD symptoms among postpartum women are best-represented by five factors. Numbing symptoms (e.g., restricted affect, detachment) are most strongly associated with interpersonal difficulties, whereas dysphoric arousal symptoms (e.g., agitation, irritability) are linked with low-efficacy contraceptive use. Screening for these symptoms may help promote the health of new mothers.

Women\u2019s perceived social support: associations with postpartum weight retention, health behaviors and depressive symptoms

BackgroundSocial support may promote healthful behaviors that prevent excess weight at critical periods in women’s life. Our objective was to investigate associations of social support at 6 months postpartum with women’s health behaviors that have previously been shown to predict weight retention at 1 year postpartum.MethodsAt 6 months postpartum in Project Viva, a pre-birth prospective cohort in Massachusetts, women reported social support using the Turner Support Scale, depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, diet using PrimeScreen, average number of hours walking, light/moderate and vigorous physical activity, television viewing, and sleeping each day.ResultsAmong 1356 women, greater partner support was associated with higher levels of walking (OR 1.36, 95% CI [1.01, 1.82]) and intake of fiber (OR 1.43, 95% CI [1.06, 1.91]) and lower intake of trans-fat (OR 1.49, 95% CI [1.11, 2.01]). Support from family/friends was marginally related to healthful levels of light/moderate physical activity (OR 1.26, 95% CI [0.96, 1.65]) and television viewing (OR 1.29, 95% CI [0.99, 1.69]). Both sources of support were strongly associated with lower odds of incident depression (OR 0.33, 95% CI [0.20, 0.55] and OR 0.49, 95% CI [0.30, 0.79], respectively). We did not find associations with vigorous physical activity or sleep duration.ConclusionsSocial support is important to the physical and mental health of new mothers and may promote behaviors that limit postpartum weight retention.

Research on New Mother Classes

To delve into the thoughts and opinions of women who attended new mother classes and highlight the perspective of the facilitators who taught them. This was a qualitative, descriptive research study focused on new mother classes. The women interviewed were primarily from the Boston, Massachusetts, area and had taken a “Great Beginning” series of new mother classes. Facilitator interviews were from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California. Fifteen women and 10 facilitators were interviewed. Participants were identified from a criterion-based snowball sampling of the community. The interviews with women were conducted in person in the home, coffee shop, or place of employment. Facilitator interviews took place by phone. Digitally recorded, semistructured interviews of approximately 1 hr were conducted. Data were transcribed and content analyzed. Multiple strategies were used to ensure trustworthiness of the findings, including member checks, bracketing, and an audit trail. Results were shared with the participants. Five themes emerged from the data: The Needs of New Mothers, Women’s Opinions of New Mother Classes, Facilitator Perspectives of New Mother Classes, How to Structure Great New Mother Classes, and Creating Community for Women Who Were New Mothers. The classes helped the new mothers learn needed skills, feel nurtured, learn that they were doing it right, expose them to other examples, and verified the normalcy of the process. The results of this research have multiple implications for nursing practice, education, and research. As nursing expands past the hospital setting, there is continued need for best practices and methods to encourage and support the health of new mothers. Offering classes that meet the needs of new mothers and creating an actual, real-life, offline “community” do just that.

The Associations of Weight Status and Body Attitudes with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Across the First Year Postpartum.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are prevalent in the first year after giving birth and can have problematic health outcomes for the mother and infant, although further research is required about the factors that contribute to their development. This study explored the trajectory of depressive and anxiety symptoms across the first postpartum year and their associations with body attitudes, body mass index, and weight retention. Participants were 467 women recruited during pregnancy via online forums, in parenting magazines, and at baby and children's markets, or from a large tertiary Australian hospital. Participants reported retrospectively on the prepregnancy period and provided data in early pregnancy (Baseline; M=17.1weeks pregnant), at 3months postpartum (T1; M=13.1weeks after birth), 6months postpartum (T2; M=26.6weeks after birth), and 12months postpartum (T3; M=52.8weeks after birth). Latent growth curve modelling revealed that, from T1 to T3, depressive symptoms significantly decreased, whereas anxiety symptoms did not change significantly. Demographic factors, weight retention, body mass index, and body attitudes at T1 did not significantly predict the course of depression and anxiety over time; however, greater postpartum weight retention and negative body attitudes at T1 predicted a more severe experience of both depression and anxiety at T3. These findings emphasize the need to assess and monitor the risk factors that can have an adverse impact on postpartum women's psychological health. This finding is particularly important for women deemed to be at risk of problematic body image or weight issues so that health professionals can intervene, and better ensure the health of new mothers in the longer term.

Is the Moderating Effect of Social Support on New Korean Mothers' Psychological Distress Contingent on Levels of Marital Quality?

This study examines how levels of marital quality change the effect of social support on postpartum psychological distress among new Korean mothers using the Panel Study on Korean Children (N = 1585). In accord with findings from previous studies, this study shows that low marital quality negatively affects new mothers' mental health, but that social support alleviates psychological distress independent of marital quality. The main finding of this research is that the moderating effect of social support is contingent on levels of marital quality. Aggregated social support moderates the effects of marital quality on new mothers' mental health only when the level of marital quality is low. Furthermore, each dimension of social support (emotional, informational, and instrumental) only has a moderating effect when marital quality is low. The findings highlight the fact that the moderating effect of social support varies with the individual context and so customized social support that fits individual needs matters for the mental health of new mothers.

Women's experiences of living with postnatal PTSD

the mental health of new mothers is a public health concern as it is likely to have an impact on the mother herself, her close relationships and the behavioural and emotional health of her children. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects some women after childbirth. Objectivethe aim of this study was to explore how women were affected by the memories of a birth that they perceived as traumatic. Designin this paper the authors report the qualitative analysis of interview data from seven postnatal women reporting symptoms of PTSD. Participants were recruited from a large NHS Trust in the South West of England. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data collected from the seven women reporting symptoms of postnatal PTSD. Findingscomplicating factors such as relationship difficulties and pre-existing health problems appeared to contribute to postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder and some women reported difficulty expressing emotions. The study findings confirm that women value good relationships with midwives during labour. Key conclusions and implications for practiceantenatal screening for personality traits such as alexithymia (difficulty expressing emotions) may be useful and midwives should be alert to current life events that may increase women's vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Recent advances in understanding maternal perinatal mood disorders.

The study of perinatal mental health (mental health during pregnancy and postpartum) is a complex field of study that is of major importance both for the mental and physical health of new mothers and for the neurobehavioral development and long-term functioning of the children they bear. In this review, we cover the most recent additions to this rapidly evolving field. Notable advances include further illumination of the epidemiological patterns and clinical manifestations of perinatal mood disruption; new efficacy data on treatment and prevention; clarifications of the respective contributions of maternal mental illness and psychotropic medication to outcomes of pregnancy, birth, and child development; and updated expert guidelines for screening.

Associations between singing to babies and symptoms of postnatal depression, wellbeing, self-esteem and mother-infant bond

Introduction: There is growing research documenting the psychological benefits of singing. However, it remains unknown whether singing to new babies is associated with enhanced maternal mental health. This study had two aims: (i) to explore whether these associations exist, and (ii) to compare the effects of singing to babies with listening to music in order to explore whether the sound of music alone or the physical act of singing might be responsible for effects. Methods: Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse cross-sectional data from 391 new mothers, exploring associations between both singing to babies and listening to music, and symptoms of postnatal depression, wellbeing, self-esteem and self-rated mother-infant bond. Results: Singing to babies on a daily basis was associated with lower symptoms of postnatal depression and enhanced wellbeing, self-esteem and self-reported mother-infant bond. Listening to music was associated with lower depression and enhanced wellbeing but effects were attenuated by confounding variables involving other arts engagement. Discussion: These data suggest that the specific act of singing could support the mental health of new mothers. The correlations found in this study raise questions as to whether maternal singing to babies can causally improve maternal mental health and wellbeing and as such whether singing could be recommended to new mothers as a positive parenting practice, or whether supportive community singing interventions could be developed.

The Efficacy of Rooming-In in the Context the Physical and Mental Health of New Mothers

The Breastfeeding-Friendly Policy promotes successful breastfeeding by encouraging postpartum rooming-in and other practices that have been shown to increase breastfeeding success. Puerperium is a key transition period in a woman's life during which she faces physical changes as well as changes in roles and tasks as she transitions into motherhood. During this transition period, postpartum women typically follow the rooming-in and breastfeeding practices that are recommended by the hospital. However, without suitable assistance, the physical and mental problems that often accompany childbirth may impact the postpartum health of the mother. This article reflects on the potential health problems that are encountered by postpartum women who adopt 24-hour rooming-in practices from the perspective of their health rights and proposes suggestions for improving these practices as a reference for related government and healthcare workers.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Health of New Mothers and Associations With Contextual Factors and Perceived Health

ObjectiveTo test the association of behavioral and psychosocial health domains with contextual variables and perceived health in ethnically and economically diverse postpartum women. DesignMail survey of a stratified random sample. SettingSouthwestern community in Texas. ParticipantsNon-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic women (N = 168). MethodsA questionnaire was sent to a sample of 600 women. The adjusted response rate was 32.8%. The questionnaire covered behavioral (diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use) and psychosocial (depression symptoms and body image) health, contextual variables (race/ethnicity, income, perceived stress, and social support), and perceived health. Hypotheses were tested using linear and logistic regression. ResultsBody image, dietary behaviors, physical activity behaviors, and depression symptoms were all significantly correlated (Spearman ρ = −.15 to .47). Higher income was associated with increased odds of higher alcohol use (more than 1 drink on 1 to 4 days in a 14-day period). African American ethnicity was correlated with less healthy dietary behaviors and Hispanic ethnicity with less physical activity. In multivariable regressions, perceived stress was associated with less healthy dietary behaviors, increased odds of depression, and decreased odds of higher alcohol use, whereas social support was associated with less body image dissatisfaction, more physical activity, and decreased odds of depression. All behavioral and psychosocial domains were significantly correlated with perceived health, with higher alcohol use related to more favorable perceived health. In regressions analyses, perceived stress was a significant contextual predictor of perceived health. ConclusionStress and social support had more consistent relationships to behavioral and psychosocial variables than race/ethnicity and income level.

Public health care nurses' views of mothers' mental health in paediatric healthcare services: a qualitative study.

To investigate public health nurses' perceptions and experiences of mental health and of the prevention of mental ill health among women postpartum, within paediatric healthcare services. Although maternal health following childbirth should be a priority within primary care, it is known that women postpartum do not always receive the support they need to adapt to and cope with motherhood. Research implies that postnatal problems lack recognition and are not always acknowledged in routine practice. Few studies have been presented on this topic or from the perspective of nurses. For this study, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with public health nurses, and the transcribed texts were analysed through a process inspired by Burnard's description of the four-step qualitative content analysis. Findings Three categories - external influences on postpartum mental health, screening for and preventing postpartum mental ill health and paediatric healthcare services as a platform for support - were interpreted to reflect the nurses' perceptions and experiences of mental health among women postpartum and of the prevention of mental ill health among women postpartum. We found that public health nurses can have an important role in supporting mothers' mental health postpartum. Although caution is warranted in interpreting our results, the findings concur with those of other studies, highlighting that an equal care emphasis on both the mother and child can be an important aspect of successful support. Implementing person-centred care might be one strategy to create such an emphasis, while also promoting the mental health of new mothers. Public health nurses have a unique opportunity to support mothers' transition into healthy motherhood, especially because they are likely to meet both mothers and children on a regular basis during the first year after birth.

The The Lived Experience of Finding Support and Care for Perinatal Mental Health of New Mothers in a Rural Area

The The Lived Experience of Finding Support and Care for Perinatal Mental Health of New Mothers in a Rural Area

Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among new mothers at 8 months later of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China

On May 12, 2008, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck China's southwestern Sichuan province. Recent studies have identified mental health problems among the survivors, but little is known about the impact of the Sichuan earthquake on the mental health of new mothers in the area. The main objective was to assess the impact of the Sichuan earthquake on the posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and depression of new mothers. A total of 317 new mothers were interviewed in the hospital from January 2009 to March 2009. Symptoms of PTSD were measured using the impact of event scale-revised, and symptoms of postpartum depression were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. The prevalence rates of PTSD and postpartum depression were 19.9% and 29.0%, respectively. Women with high earthquake exposure had higher risks of PTSD (odds ratio (OR), 5.91; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75-19.97; P < 0.001) and postpartum depression (OR, 7.28; 95% CI, 2.51-21.08; P < 0.001) than women without earthquake experience. In addition, women with low monthly family income and farm workers had a higher risk of having PTSD; women who were unemployed or with lower monthly family income and poor sleep had a higher risk of having depression. Earthquake experience increased the risks of having PTSD and depression among new mothers at 8months later of the earthquake.