Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in New Mothers – A Literature review

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health issue that some women face after the childbirth, generally within 6 to 8 weeks (about 2 months) of giving birth. This intricate condition affects a woman's emotional well-being during the postpartum phase, potentially disrupting the natural transition to motherhood and posing challenges to her mental health. Healthcare professionals play a fundamental role in identifying and addressing PPD using evaluation, early recognition, and implementing suitable treatment. This study aims to determine the indicators of postpartum depression symptoms in new mothers by conducting literature reviews of different academic studies. The study's purpose is to generate evidence-based data that academic researchers and students can use to evaluate postpartum depression symptoms. The methodology used in this study was a literature review based on an in-depth study and understanding of the literature addressing the research question. The data search was conducted using CINAHL, PUBMED, and EBSCO, and it was free and available to JAMK students. After an in-depth study of selected literature, the symptoms of postpartum depression identified in the new mothers are emotional, physical, behavioral, social, and relationship symptoms. In addition, these findings can help future academic researchers to conduct further research on a similar subject as well as these findings can help medical personnel improve holistic interventions to support postpartum women.