Postpartum depression, delayed maternal adaptation, and mechanical infant caring: A phenomenological hermeneutic study

Background With 10–15 percent of mothers experiencing postpartum depression this mental health problem is a significant public health issue. One concern is that normal infant development is at risk. Understanding how Postpartum depression impacts on mothering is important knowledge in managing this health problem. Objectives To: • explore what is it like to become a mother, and • examine how postpartum depression impacts on maternal adaptation Design A hermeneutic approach was used guided by the philosophical works of Heidegger and Gadamer Setting A relatively affluent metropolitan area, including surrounding rural areas within Australia. Participants Via purposeful, maximum variation sampling, eleven women who had been medically diagnosed with postpartum depression following childbirth but who were not experiencing psychosis participated in the study. Methods In-depth interviews and reflective journaling. Results Mothers with postpartum depression become “stuck” in a liminal state, an incomplete process of the rite of passage. Therefore, adaptation to the social role of a mother was found to be delayed. Additionally, a delay in becoming competent in parenting skills was evident. A lack of maternal–infant attachment was noted, however, mothers continued to care for their infants but in an unthinking manner that was labelled “mechanical infant caring”. Conclusions The distress caused by the delay in adapting to being a mother could be addressed by providing a mentor to at-risk women. The mentor should be a mother who has previously recovered from postpartum depression and would act as a symbol of hope. Additionally, on-going education and the insight that occurs during the liminal phase can facilitate mothers with postpartum depression to adapt appropriately.