One of the most common complications for mothers after childbirth is postpartum depression (PPD). This illness can occur in women who have given birth, who have miscarried or who have had a stillbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2010) indicate that PPD affects 1 in 8 women. These statistics are disturbing especially when 51 % of women may not be willing to seek treatment for PPD (Beck & Gable, 2001 ). Therefore, the number of women who are experiencing PPD is of national concern.
The literature reveals that there is not a standard or protocol for the assessment of PPD symptoms, education delivery, or referral and treatment. With an absence of a standard or protocol, this devastating disorder will continue to go undiagnosed in thousands of women affecting not only their wellbeing but the wellbeing of their families.
Nurses are in an optimal position to help prevent and identify women suffering from PPD. Establishing the nurse's role in assessing, educating and referring women and families suffering from PPD will assist in reducing the prevalence of this illness and identifying afflicted women for early intervention. Implementing a standard of practice in PPD assessment, education, and referral will assist healthcare providers in achieving the Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing mental illness and complications due to pregnancy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:honorstheses1990-2015-2071 |
| Date | 01 January 2010 |
| Creators | Campbell, Erica Basora |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | HIM 1990-2015 |
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