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Association between doula care and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder: A mixed-methods study.
Xiaolu Lai1, Linli Zou1, Jingfen Chen1
1School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Doula care significantly lowers the risk of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This support may improve women's psychological experiences after childbirth, reducing the likelihood of developing postpartum PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychology
Background:
- The benefits of doula care during childbirth are established.
- The impact of doula care on postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between doula care and postpartum PTSD.
- To explore the psychological experiences of women with postpartum PTSD.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study was conducted in China (Nov 2022-Oct 2023).
- Quantitative data collected via questionnaires and Perinatal Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire (PPQ).
- Qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with women diagnosed with postpartum PTSD.
Main Results:
- A total of 437 women participated; 7.3% developed postpartum PTSD.
- Doula care was associated with a significantly lower risk of postpartum PTSD (OR 0.15).
- Qualitative themes included negative childbirth experiences, lack of family support, and stress as contributors to postpartum PTSD.
Conclusions:
- Doula care may be a protective factor against postpartum PTSD.
- Improved psychological impact of childbirth experience is a potential mechanism.
- Further research into doula support for perinatal mental health is warranted.
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