Exploring the Healthcare Services' Contribution to Reducing Postpartum Depression

IntroductionThe postpartum period is accompanied by health risks that impact many women. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health problem that has been neglected in maternal healthcare services. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions towards health services' contribution to lowering the incidence of PPD. MethodsAn interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 10 postpartum nurses was interviewed face-to-face. The analysis followed Colaizzi's data analysis method. ResultsSeven main themes emerged on how to improve maternal health services to contribute to reducing the incidence of PPD among women: (1) maternal mental health, (2) follow-up of mental health status, (3) screening mental health status, (4) enhancing health education, (5) reducing stigma toward mental health, (6) updating resources, and (7) empowering nurses. ConclusionThe integration of mental health services into maternal services that are provided to women needs to be considered in the context of Saudi Arabia. This integration will result in high-quality holistic maternal care.