Midwives' Supportive Role in Prevention of Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder in reproductive period that has adverse effects on the mother-baby relationships, as well as relationships between couples. With respect to unpleasant effects of postpartum depression, prevention from this disorder seems essential and practical; and effective preventive ways should be detected. This research was conducted to determine the supportive role of midwives in prevention of postpartum depression.

Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study and the samples of this research were composed of 100 primiparous women in the Beheshty hospital of Isfahan in 2000-2001. The sampling method was systematic randomization. The subjects filled out a questionnaire consisting two parts. The first part was related to demographic specifications and the second part was the Edinburg postpartum depression inventory. Data analysis was done by SPSS statistical software.

Results: Mean depression scores in the two groups (supported and unsupported) were determined. Mean score of depression in the supported group was 9.44 and for unsupported group was 12.60 showing a significant statistical difference (P= 0.004).

Conclusion: According to the findings, midwives' support is a very effective factor in the prevention of postpartum depression.