Canadian mothers' perceived support needs during postpartum depression.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the support needs, support resources, barriers to support, and preferences for support intervention for women with postpartum depression.


METHODS
Multisite, exploratory, descriptive study in which qualitative data were collected on support needs, the availability of resources, perceived barriers to support, and preferences for support of women who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression.


METHODS
Conducted in Alberta and New Brunswick; mothers were interviewed individually (Alberta, n= 24; New Brunswick, n= 17) and in groups (Alberta, n= 5; New Brunswick, n= 6).


RESULTS
For most mothers, one-on-one support was preferred when postpartum depression is recognized. Group support should be available once the mothers start to feel better and are able to comfortably interact with other mothers in a group format. This suite of alternatives needs to be underpinned by concerted public education efforts.
Letourneau
Nicole
N
Canadian Research Institute for Social Policy, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. nicolel@unb.ca
Duffett-Leger
Linda
L
Stewart
Miriam
M
Hegadoren
Kathy
K
Dennis
Cindy-Lee
CL
Rinaldi
Christina M
CM
Stoppard
Janet
J
D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009509:New Brunswick; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010379:Peer Group; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires