Peer Support for Mothers with Postnatal Depression

The number of mothers suffering from postnatal depression (PND) continues to rise at an alarming rate. Recent NICE guidelines (2015) have highlighted the need for the utilisation of psychosocial support – as opposed to the, use of antidepressant medication – as an appropriate intervention. One of the main reasons for PND is a lack of social interaction and isolation (Dennis, 2009). Could, therefore, disclosing to a fellow mother – who has previously shared a similar journey – help to assist in the recovery from this debilitating illness?
In order to explore this question, eight peer support workers (PSWs) were recruited to offer one to one home visits within the postnatal period to a mother considered to be at elevated risk of PND – as suggested by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The PSWs visited the mother on a weekly basis, within their own homes, from week six postnatally for a period of six weeks.
Data was gathered both quantitatively and qualitatively by the recording of the EPDS scores, log book entries and one to one interviews. Results revealed that the PSWs had a positive effect upon the mothers’ mental health, outlook and indeed, their relationship with their baby.