When It Is Not Postpartum Depression: Understanding the Postpartum Mental Health Needs of Mothers and How They Are Being Met

Abstract

Although often overlooked, subclinical symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms among new mothers increase the risk of more severe problems and can adversely affect maternal and infant health. We conducted focus groups with 92 new mothers and interviews with 20 healthcare providers to elucidate perceptions of mental health needs among first-time mothers and how healthcare providers address these needs. Our findings suggest that a tradition of focusing exclusively on severe presentations of mental health issues may limit maternal and provider ability to address the full spectrum of mental health needs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors express their gratitude to the GDCH staff for support and contributions, and to members of the expert panel who reviewed and offered feedback regarding the study findings and their implications. We especially thank all of the mothers and healthcare providers who volunteered their time to share their experiences.

FUNDING

This study was funded by a grant from the Georgia Department of Community Health (GDCH) to the Principal Investigator, Laura Gaydos, PhD.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.