Canadian mothers' perceived support needs during postpartum depression.

OBJECTIVE To assess the support needs, support resources, barriers to support, and preferences for support intervention for women with postpartum depression. DESIGN Multisite, exploratory, descriptive study in which qualitative data were collected on support needs, the availability of resources, perceived barriers to support, and preferences for support of women who have experienced symptoms of postpartum depression. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Conducted in Alberta and New Brunswick; mothers were interviewed individually (Alberta, n= 24; New Brunswick, n= 17) and in groups (Alberta, n= 5; New Brunswick, n= 6). RESULTS For most mothers, one-on-one support was preferred when postpartum depression is recognized. Group support should be available once the mothers start to feel better and are able to comfortably interact with other mothers in a group format. This suite of alternatives needs to be underpinned by concerted public education efforts.

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