Disturbances in Post-Partum Adaptation and Depressive Symptomatology

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Abstract
An exploratory study was conducted to identify disturbances in women's postpartum adaptation and the relationship between such disturbances and self-report of depressive symptomatology. Eighty women completed 3 questionnaires (Inventory of Post-partum Adaptation, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pitt Questionnaire) during the third and eighth post-partum weeks. Five areas of post-partum adaptation were assessed: changes in daily activities, impact of childbirth events, interactions with the new baby, social activities and supports, judgments about one's self and future. Results indicated that disturbances in adaptation occurred mainly in the areas of changes in daily activities, social activities and supports, and judgments about the self. Correlational analyses indicated that selected areas of women's post-partum adaptation had positive relationships with depressive symptomatology: mood changes, decreased energy level, inability to maintain eating schedule, negative affect while with baby, lack of comfort in being a mother, difficulties in resocializing with other adults, critical rating of the self. Clinical implications are discussed in terms of identification of women at risk in post-partum adaptation, reconceptualization of the meaning depressive symptomatology may serve for post-partum women, and a reconsideration of post-partum practices in American obstetrics.

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