title: Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Professional Assistance: A Survey of Mothers in the Midwestern United States.
abstract: Transition into motherhood is generally a joyful life event; for some women, however, it is marked by emotional turmoil. Lack of support can be associated with postpartum depression and can compromise both the mother and infant. A descriptive, cross-sectional study (N = 61) was conducted to explore the relationship between social support and postpartum depression and to determine whether mothers overwhelmed with childcare, or overwhelmed with life in general since becoming a mother, sought professional help. The results revealed that screening for depression alone may not be sufficient, that mothers are willing to contact a professional for help in the postpartum period, and that assessments after birth should include a broader assessment of life's difficulties rather than focusing on childcare responsibilities alone.
authors.forename: Catherine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Corrigan
authors.forename: Andrea N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kwasky
authors.forename: Carla J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Groh
keywords: United States; depression; postpartum; social support