The river of postnatal psychosis: A qualitative study of women's experiences and meanings

Objective: This paper reports findings from a study about women's experience of postpartum psychosis which affects 1-2 women in 1000 in the first four to six weeks following childbirth. Previous research reports many women are relucent to disclose symptoms of mental ill health to healthcare professionals, although they are most likely to discuss symptoms and concerns with a health professional known to them. Design: A qualitative interpretive study using semi-structured interviews. Participants: Ten women in Australia who had recovered from postpartum psychosis in the last ten years were interviewed. Data analysis: Data were analysed thematically by three researchers to enhance trustworthiness. Results: The women described their overall experience as traumatic and described what they saw as contributing factors such as a previous history of mental illness or a significant life event that was present before or during pregnancy; the women described how they made meaning of the symptoms they experienced, such as a lack of sleep or changes in their thoughts or behaviours; and the difficulties they experienced during recovery. The women also identified novel ways to support themselves and each other as they recovered. Conclusion and implications for practice: Midwives require further education to recognise the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, to ask further probing questions to identify postpartum psychosis in its early stages and to support women as they recover from this illness.