1. Postpartum Depression
NUR 113
Summer Semester
Debbie Hogan

2. Postpartum Psychologic Complications
Mental health disorders in postpartum period have implications for mother, newborn, and entire family
Interfere with attachment to newborn and family integration
May threaten safety and well-being of mother, newborn, and other children

3. Postpartum Psychologic Complications—cont’d
Mood disorders
70% of women experience a mild depression or “baby blues”
Some women have more serious depression
Can eventually incapacitate them to point of being unable to care for themselves and their babies

4. Postpartum Psychologic Complications—cont’d
Postpartum depression without psychotic features
Postpartum depression: an intense and pervasive sadness with severe and labile mood swings
Treatment options
Antidepressants, anxiolytic agents, and electroconvulsive therapy
Psychotherapy focuses fears and concerns of new responsibilities and roles; monitoring for suicidal or homicidal thoughts

5. Postpartum Psychologic Complications—cont’d
Postpartum depression with psychotic features
Postpartum psychosis: syndrome characterized by depression, delusions, and thoughts of harming either infant or herself
Psychiatric emergency; may require psychiatric hospitalization
Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers such as lithium are treatments of choice

6. Nursing Care Management
On postpartum unit
In home and community
Referrals
Providing safety
Psychiatric hospitalization
Psychotropic medications
Other treatments for postpartum depression