The arrival of a new member of the family is a great change in a family.

The mother could

undergo several changes in herself due to this climax, and it could either denote a positive
or a negative result. Depression is a serious case especially for postpartum women
because it could progress to a much more frightening condition, which could change the
entire life of the patient and her family.
Contents [hide]

1 Definition

2 Pathophysiology

3 Risk Factors

4 Signs and Symptoms

5 Medical Management

6 Nursing Management
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6.1 Nursing Assessment

6.2 Nursing Diagnosis

6.3 Nursing Interventions

6.4 Evaluation

Definition

A feeling of sadness that occurs for more than a year after the postpartum period
and interferes with the normal functions of the mother is called postpartum
depression (PPD).

Pathophysiology

An anticlimactic feeling is experienced by the woman after birth.

Hormonal changes in estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing

hormone rises and falls.

Risk Factors
Depression is already a dangerous case for a patient, much more to a woman who has
undergone a major change in her life. Taking note of these risk factors could prevent the
development of this condition.

History of depression. If the woman has already been diagnosed with

depression before her pregnancy, the chance of its recurrence is possible after
delivery.

Low self-esteem. A woman with a low self-esteem may develop insecurities in

making decisions and would be unwilling to be left alone with the infant.

Stress at home and at work. The stress that the woman is experiencing would
most likely develop into depression if it is left unresolved.

Lack of support system. Emotional support is a great factor in the recovery of

the woman from her postpartum blues. Without anyone to talk to and no one to
support her, the woman may plunge deeper into depression.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression must be evaluated carefully to aid
towards an accurate diagnosis.

Overall feeling of sadness. This is very evident in postpartum depression,

especially if it already affects the daily tasks of the woman.

Extreme fatigue. The woman would only want to lie in bed all day because she is
feeling very tired at all times.

Inability to stop crying. Due to the intense sadness that the woman feels, she
may only feel like crying all the time just to express her feelings.

Increased anxiety. The woman is always overly anxious about her own and her
babys health.

The woman may feel insecure because of the lack of support system and she has
no one to assist her in taking care of the infant.

Medical Management
A part of the care plan for a woman with postpartum depression is compliance of her
medicines and other interventions that the physician sees fit to implement, and these are
the following.

Antidepressant therapy. This would be prescribed by the physician once

the diagnosis of postpartum depression is determined.

Counseling. Psychological counseling is recommended for a woman undergoing

postpartum depression to let her express her feelings and restore her
psychological health.

Nursing Management
Nurses must be alert in sensing the current psychological state of the patient too. They must
provide a precise data of the patients well-being to give way to a more accurate care plan
for a woman with postpartum depression.

Nursing Assessment

Assess the womans psychological health even before the delivery.

Assess her history of illnesses to determine if she needs any counseling prior to
her delivery to avoid postpartum depression.

Nursing Diagnosis

Impaired parenting related to the inability to perform activities of daily living

secondary to postpartum depression.

Nursing Interventions

Assist the woman in planning for her daily activities, such as her nutrition
program, exercise, and sleep.

Recommend support groups to the woman so she can have a system where she
can share her feelings.

Advise the woman to take some time for herself every day so she can have a
break from her regular baby care.

Encourage the woman to keep in touch with her social circle as they can also
serve as her support system.

Evaluation

The patient engages more in social activities.

The patient can express her feelings and insecurities.

The patient can perform her activities of daily living.

The patient recognizes the importance of counseling and regularly attends one.

The psychological health of a mother has as much impact as well as her physical health.
Her well-being must also be ensured because she is the number caregiver of the infant, and
the bonding between mother and child would only be possible if both of them are in a state
of good holistic health.