Problem statement
Depression during pregnancy poses a risk to the fetus both directly and indirectly in terms of maternal nutrition, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and noncompliance with prenatal care plans. The chances for obstetrical complications such as intrauterine growth retardation, premature labor and placental abruption are increased, possibly due to increased catecholamine levels in the depressed mother (HHS, 2007). The emotional and physical well - being of the new mother is vital to the health of the entire family. For example, PPD can place a strain on the relationship between the woman and her partner and will make family life more stressful.
In addition to the personal distress of feeling sad and unhappy, postpartum depression can have more insidious consequences, such as disturbed mother-infant relationships and impaired cognitive and emotional development of the children. Limited studies were found identifying antenatal and immediate postpartum factors in women who experience postpartum depression. Identifying factors that predict development of PPD early in the pregnancy and postpartum period would allow for the development and assessment of strategies for the prevention and treatment of this devastating mood disorder
Purpose of the Study
The study focuses on the socio-cultural experiences of depressed Nigerian mothers, Gosdlin(2005) found that the stigmatization and the lack of postpartum depression information and education prevents the Nigerian adolescent mothers from seeking mental health care. The narrative will compare self-reported depressed Nigerian mothers (adolescents and adults) to understand the complexities of barriers, beliefs, and traditional healing systems: and views of depression. The following are the goals of the study:
(1) to identify cultural and age specific postpartum depressive symptoms, which could apply to various race and ethnic groups;
(2) to identify the lack of detection of Nigerian postpartum depression by mainstream medicine, and increase the awareness of Nigerian postpartum depression;
(3) to suggest culture specific postpartum behavioral interventions and
(4) to explore the consequence of postpartum in regards to breastfeeding and mothers' perceptions of their babies.
Research question(s)
• How does the transition into motherhood shape the everyday experiences of the self-reported depressed Nigerian adolescent and adult women?
• How can mental health of self-reported depressed Nigerian adolescent and adult mothers be understood within socio-cultural context?
• How does the pregnancy experience affect motherhood among self-reported depressed Nigerian adolescent and adult mothers?