A Home-Start peer support scheme for women with low mood following childbirth.
Perinatal mental health problems vary in impact and severity, and can have long-lasting effects on maternal health and child psychological health and development. The evidence to support the effectiveness of postnatal peer and volunteer support schemes to improve the long-term health of women is mixed, with some studies highlighting positive effects in terms of reducing symptoms of depression. Using data from a peer support scheme designed to support women with low mood following childbirth, this paper provides insight into the initial support needs of women, alongside the challenges of using volunteer and peer support services. This paper provides health visitors and others working in community settings with an understanding of how volunteer befriending services may, or may not work in community settings. The data suggests that Home-Start does have a positive impact on the lives of some women, however more work is required in order to understand which aspects of the Home-Start intervention women find effective and why.
Catriona C G
CC
Jones
Julie
J
Jomeen
Mark
M
Hayter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom; D014838:Volunteers; D055815:Young Adult