TITLE:
The Development and Implementation of the Maternal Mental Health Promotion Program for Expectant Mothers
AUTHORS:
Mari Ikeda, Kaori Nishigaki, Miharu Kida, Ami Setoyama, Kyoko Kobayashi, Kiyoko Kamibeppu
KEYWORDS:
Postpartum Depression, Prenatal Education, Intervention, Partner Communication
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.4 No.13,
December
16,
2014
ABSTRACT: Approximately 19% of women have minor or major depression in the first three months following delivery. The Maternal Mental Health Promotion Program is an intervention program designed to deliver during pregnancy to increase awareness and limits the effects of postpartum depression (PPD). The program was developed through a literature review and a focus group interview. It has three components (information on depressive symptoms during postpartum, reflecting on pregnancy, and the importance of good communication with one’s partner), delivered through lectures and group discussions using educational worksheets. The purpose of this paper was to describe the development, planning and implementing of an intervention program for expectant mothers to increase awareness and limits the effects of PPD. The program was evaluated by experienced midwives, and then delivered in antenatal classes where process evaluations were conducted. We confirmed that the objectives of the program were met and that the intervention was relevant to participants.