Post partum Depression Literature Review

Different researchers and scholars have argued about post-partum depression based on their findings and understanding (Borra, Iacovou, &Sevilla, 2015). There are some points of agreement among different scholars regarding post-partum depression and they also happen to disagree on some issues. This paper reviews the literature about post-partum depression. The literature review looks at the arguments placed by different scholars concerning post-partum depression. Post-partum depression is a disorder mostly affecting women after child birth, due to various reasons like lack of preparedness and support. , 2013) include; reduced libido, regular mood swings, and excessive fatigue. According to the argument put forth by Borra, Iacovou, and Sevilla, (2015), PPD is also associated with minor signs such as, feeling helplessness, worthlessness, thinking of committing suicide or hurting oneself or others, desires of dying, and loss of pleasure.

Causes Failure of the mother to get the required rest after giving birth is one of the main causes of PPD (Borra, Iacovou, &Sevilla, 2015). Because of experiencing frequent sleep deprivation, the new mother tends to feel exhaustion and physical discomfort, which trigger the signs of PPD. Breastfeeding affects the mental health of mothers on the basis that proper planning of breastfeeding prepares the mother early enough. Dennis, and Dowswell, (2013) emphasize that because of PPD, a woman fails to do what one is expected to do on daily basis. PPD, as emphasized by Wisner, et al. , (2013), drains the energy of the patient who also lacks drive and hope. Mercier, et al. , (2013) argue the same and add that PPD can disrupt early interaction of mother and baby risking a child’s early development process.

From the fact that this is a serious health problem Wisner, et al. , (2013) argue that the patient should acquire medication at the same time of receiving counseling. Markhus, et al. , (2013) add that it is necessary for a woman with PPD to be hospitalized, especially if one is suffering from psychosis, anxiety, or depression. According to Dennis, and Dowswell, (2013), a new mother needs to look for treatment from a professional when the associated symptoms tend to persist for more than two weeks. , (2013) identify that exercise is very important although it has to be performed under doctor’s guidance for one to adhere to the restrictions put on different activities. MoreoverBorra, Iacovou, and Sevilla, (2015) emphasize that it is necessary for every new mother to be realistic on personal expectations after birth and have the expectations of good and bad days.

(Phipps, et al, 2013) add that eating healthy diet and avoiding caffeine and alcohol is very helpful. Other ways of preventing one from suffering from PPD include; sleeping and being at rest when the baby sleep, limitation of visitors during the initial period of birth, fostering some relationship with the partner and contacting friends and family (Markhus, et al. Conclusion Post-partum depression is a post pregnancy depression, which mostly attacks women after birth. , Iacovou, M. , &Sevilla, A. New evidence on breastfeeding and postpartum depression: the importance of understanding women’s intentions. Maternal and child health journal, 19(4), 897-907. Dennis, C. , Braarud, H. C. , Stormark, K. M. , &Malde, M. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics &Gynaecology, 120(9), 1116-1122. Phipps, M. G. , Raker, C. A. C.