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Midwife Provider Education And Screening Can Prevent And Decrease The Prevalence Of Perinatal And Postpartum Depression: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Suzanne M. Chatters

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Perinatal and postpartum depression (PPD) has a diagnosed prevalence of 10-20%. Experts theorize that up to 60% of women experiencing PPD do not seek help. Mental depression carries a negative stigma in western culture and medicine. It is however, both a natural occurrence and physiologic disorder. If unaddressed, depression can become a severe and dangerous condition for both women and their children. The transition to motherhood presents with multifactorial influences such as hormonal, physical, and mental changes. Pregnant women in particular, who are experiencing a change in hormonal status, sleep pattern disruption, and personal role identity are at risk …