The lived experience of becoming herself through postpartum expression
Date
2002
Authors
Sager, Monica Ann
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose in this study was to investigate the lived experience of PPD and what helps mothers during this time. An estimated 10-15% of women who give birth will experience postpartum depression. My goal was to expand current information and knowledge available in the area of PPD, and to share women's experiences of living with PPD so that the commonalities of the experience could be noted- and-the-stigma- lessened and hopefully removed. Since little empirical knowledge exists on the lived experience of PPD a qualitative research approach was employed to answer the research question. The findings indicated that the lived experience of PPD seems to parallel that of women's identity development. The length and severity of PPD seem associated with identity development. The women in this study work through the process of recovery. This process is captured in the framework Becoming Herself Through Postpartum Depression. Initially, they worked from a place of being a self for others, to losing her sense of self during the pit of the depression, to coming out of this deep depression as she uncovers her sense of self, and becoming settled in a place where she has found her sense of self and recovered from PPD. For some women, they may reach a place of contentment and peace with earlier life challenges, and discover that they no longer live with fear should they become depressed again in the future.