Effects of Postpartum Depression on Mental Health of New Mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of postpartum depression on mental health of new mothers. Signs and symptoms of Postpartum depression can go on from baby blue to full blown post birth depression in women experiencing child birth and profoundly influences women’s mental health. A total of 100 new mothers, female participants from different hospitals of Peshawar, LRH (Lady reading hospital), KTH(Khyber teaching hospital), HMC(Hayatabad medical complex) &CPP(Center for psychotherapy and psychiatry) were considered for data collection as sample population in this study. Convenient sampling technique was utilized to collect the data. Demographic information sheet(DIS), Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) (2008) including 7 items and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (1987) 10 items were used for the collection of data from the new mothers in the above mentioned hospitals. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that Postpartum depression has an influence on mental health of new mothers also females scoring high on EPDS scored low on SWEMWBS and vice versa. Further new mothers need special attention, social support and care from doctors, nurses and also need to get cleaned environment at hospitals as well as at their home with family specifically spousal support is required. Moreover recommendations are given i.e. wards of the hospitals should be properly cleaned. Administrations of hospital should cooperate with the attendants of patients and family should provide adequate post-delivery care.