Exploring women’s perspectives on their past experience of postpartum depression and the infant-mother relationship: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Postpartum depression (PPD), is the most common complication of childbirth, with wide variability in onset, symptomology, severity and chronicity. Despite extensive research attention, the condition is often undetected and untreated. PPD has an impact on the motherinfant attachment relationship. However, the mechanisms of negative influence of PPD on infant attachment remain unclear. The majority of qualitative studies of PPD have been completed with women who are currently experiencing an episode of PPD. In addition, few qualitative studies have focused on women’s experience of caring for their baby during PPD. The aim of the current study was to qualitatively explore the experience of PPD and the motherinfant relationship, with women who have recovered from PPD. Eight women participated in semi-structured interviews, reflecting on their personal experiences of postpartum depression and how it impacted on their relationship with their infant. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the data from these eight interviews revealed three superordinate themes; ‘Feeling Inadequate’, ‘Fear-Filled Caregiver’ and ‘Journey to Recovery’. These themes are discussed in the context of the previous literature. Implication for clinical practice and future research are explored.