Women may go through a wide range of emotional experiences during pregnancy and the year following birth. In some cases it can result in depressive symptoms which need treatment and supportive interventions. Interventions like individual psychotherapy and counseling with an exploratory, participative approaches were most commonly practiced in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. The aim of this study is to investigate systematically the evidence surrounding the impact of such interventions on improving women and infant mental health in mothers with postpartum depression.
Systematic review included twelve quantitative studies from different countries like America (4), Iran (3), Europe (2), India (1), Pakistan (1), and China (1). Socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects, characteristics, type and components of the intervention, and recommendations were reviewed from the retrieved studies.
Mean depression prevalence among the postpartum mothers identified in different studies was 38.6%. In majority of the studies the main components the interventions dealt with were, infant and child care, breastfeeding, problem solving, use of play and quality time with the infant, immunization and contraception, psycho-education about the illness, role transitions to motherhood, sensory motor stimulation and ways to deal with practical issues.
Majority of studies recommended for cost-effective and accessible postnatal care as a routine, follow up practices through telephone, direct education to supporters of new mother, and ensuring the availability of community resources and manpower.