The lived experience of postpartum depression as reflected in fabric art
Date
2009-08-26T15:22:37Z
Authors
Planden, Hilary Joan
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Abstract
Postpartum depression affects approximately 13% of women and negatively impacts their
partners and children. This interpretive phenomenological study explored the lived
experience of postpartum depression. Rich descriptions of four women’s experiences
were collected through conversational interviews, a focus group and fabric art. Three
themes were identified: cast adrift, torn asunder and safely home. The findings suggested
that women experience isolation, loss of identity and loss of sanity. Positive aspects of
PPD were also revealed. Implications for nursing practice suggest increased targeted
supportive programs for women shown to be at risk for PPD and increased support for all
women and their families during the transition to parenthood. Recommendations for
future nursing research include attention to fathers’ postpartum experiences and the need
for longitudinal studies of women’s PPD experiences. Finally, nurse researchers are
encouraged to use artwork as a source of rich data.
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Keywords
experience, postpartum, depression, fabrics, identity