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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 2/2012

01-02-2012

The Experience of Maternal and Child Health Nurses Responding to Women with Postpartum Depression

Author: Penelope Rush

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 2/2012

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Abstract

Previous studies have shown that maternal and child health nurses (MCH nurses) are in a unique position to help mothers with postpartum depression (PPD), but little has been done to understand the MCH nurses’ day-to-day experience. This Australian study addresses that issue by analyzing the results of eight in-depth interviews with MCH nurses. The data obtained from these interviews was analyzed using the phenomenological method described by Creswell, adapted from Moustakas [1]. From this analysis five themes emerge: how MCH nurses recognize symptoms of PPD; the importance of having treatment options available; the role of rapport; the limits of MCH nurses in responding to PPD; and how MCH nurses respond when recognizing new cases of PPD. The results of the study reveal several areas for policy review, most significantly the need for more MCH nurse training to recognize the symptoms of PPD and identify the appropriate treatment option. In addition, a review of staff retention and mobility policies is recommended to improve rapport with mothers and maintain and grow knowledge of local treatment options.
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Metadata
Title
The Experience of Maternal and Child Health Nurses Responding to Women with Postpartum Depression
Author
Penelope Rush
Publication date
01-02-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0688-2

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