Postpartum Depression: The Role of Nurses

Nursing Roles and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression: The Preventive and Interventional Roles of Nurses

Postpartum depression is widely recognized as a significant health threat to the mother and the rest of the family, and thus to society, but the biggest threat is to the lifetime health prospects of the newborn infant. Given the health significance of postpartum depression, recent research about the risk factors for this condition, and recommendations for interventions, were examined. While a direct causal link between depression and child neglect does not appear to exist, or be statistically strong, there is a significant indirect causal link. The essential connection seems to be difficulty bonding and bonding is essential to the process of maternal-infant attachment. There also appears to be an inverse relationship between the strength of the attachment and the risk of postpartum depression, such that both mother and child benefit...
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