A Study of Welsh Mothers' Experiences of Postnatal Depression

Objective: to examine the experiences of Welsh mothers diagnosed with postnatal depression and to question whether postnatal depression is socially determined.

Design: qualitative interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire to clarify mothers' thoughts and feelings within the postnatal period.

Setting: a semi-rural part of south-west Wales, previously dominated by the mining industry.

Participants: ten mothers with one or more children participated in the study. Most of the mothers were from lower socio-economic groups. They were selected from 30 women diagnosed with postnatal depression.

Findings: mothers had little knowledge of the effects of postnatal depression before becoming pregnant, and were initially reluctant to confide or share their feelings. Economic pressures determined a second income and necessitated mothers returning to work. This left them with little quality time for their babies and family. The prime support networks, which in previous generations were grandmothers, were absent, and mothers relied on social services and voluntary support groups.

Implications For Practice: a greater understanding of the emotional and social effects of childbirth may help mothers to avoid feelings of isolation and the inability to cope. Discussing the issues of socio-emotional strain during pregnancy may help the mother to recognise the symptoms that identify postnatal depression, legitimise the condition and begin the recovery process.